3. But those who choose their own ways—delighting in their detestable sins—will not have their offerings accepted.When such people sacrifice a bull,it is no more acceptable than a human sacrifice.When they sacrifice a lamb,it’s as though they had sacrificed a dog!When they bring an offering of grain,they might as well offer the blood of a pig.When they burn frankincense,it’s as if they had blessed an idol.
4. I will send them great trouble—all the things they feared.For when I called, they did not answer.When I spoke, they did not listen.They deliberately sinned before my very eyesand chose to do what they know I despise.”
5. Hear this message from the lord,all you who tremble at his words:“Your own people hate youand throw you out for being loyal to my name.‘Let the lord be honored!’ they scoff.‘Be joyful in him!’But they will be put to shame.
6. What is all the commotion in the city?What is that terrible noise from the Temple?It is the voice of the lordtaking vengeance against his enemies.
7. “Before the birth pains even begin,Jerusalem gives birth to a son.
8. Who has ever seen anything as strange as this?Who ever heard of such a thing?Has a nation ever been born in a single day?Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment?But by the time Jerusalem’s birth pains begin,her children will be born.
9. Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birthand then not deliver it?” asks the lord.“No! I would never keep this nation from being born,”says your God.
10. “Rejoice with Jerusalem!Be glad with her, all you who love herand all you who mourn for her.
11. Drink deeply of her gloryeven as an infant drinks at its mother’s comforting breasts.”