3. But those people who kill bulls as a sacrifice to meare like those who kill people.Those who kill sheep as a sacrificeare like those who break the necks of dogs.Those who give me grain offeringsare like those who offer me the blood of pigs.Those who burn incenseare like those who worship idols.These people choose their own ways, not mine,and they love the terrible things they do.
4. So I will choose their punishments,and I will punish them with what they fear most.This is because I called to them, but they did not listen.I spoke to them, but they did not hear me.They did things I said were evil;they chose to do things I did not like.”
5. You people who obey the words of the Lord,listen to what he says:“Your brothers hated youand turned against you because you followed me.Your brothers said, ‘Let the Lord be honoredso we may see you rejoice,’but they will be punished.
6. Listen to the loud noise coming from the city;hear the noise from the Temple.It is the Lord punishing his enemies,giving them the punishment they should have.
7. “A woman does not give birth before she feels the pain;she does not give birth to a son before the pain starts.
8. No one has ever heard of that happening;no one has ever seen that happen.In the same way no one ever saw a country begin in one day;no one has ever heard of a new nation beginning in one moment.But Jerusalem will give birth to her childrenjust as soon as she feels the birth pains.
9. In the same way I will not cause painwithout allowing something new to be born,” says the Lord.“If I cause you the pain,I will not stop you from giving birth to your new nation,” says your God.
10. “Jerusalem, rejoice.All you people who love Jerusalem, be happy.Those of you who felt sad for Jerusalemshould now feel happy with her.
11. You will take comfort from her and be satisfied,as a child is nursed by its mother.You will receive her good thingsand enjoy her wealth.”