13. We have rebelled and tried to deceive the Lord;we turned back from following our God.We stir up oppression and rebellion;we tell lies we concocted in our minds.
14. Justice is driven back;godliness stands far off.Indeed, honesty stumbles in the city squareand morality is not even able to enter.
15. Honesty has disappeared;the one who tries to avoid evil is robbed.The Lord watches and is displeased,for there is no justice.
16. He sees there is no advocate;he is shocked that no one intervenes.So he takes matters into his own hands;his desire for justice drives him on.
17. He wears his desire for justice like body armor,and his desire to deliver is like a helmet on his head.He puts on the garments of vengeanceand wears zeal like a robe.
18. He repays them for what they have done,dispensing angry judgment to his adversariesand punishing his enemies.He repays the coastlands.
19. In the west, people respect the Lord’s reputation;in the east they recognize his splendor.For he comes like a rushing streamdriven on by wind sent from the Lord.
20. “A protector comes to Zion,to those in Jacob who repent of their rebellious deeds,” says the Lord.
21. “As for me, this is my promise to them,” says the Lord. “My spirit, who is upon you, and my words, which I have placed in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and descendants from this time forward,” says the Lord.