16. “Wash and make yourselves clean. Put away the evil of your deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil.
17. Learn to do good, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”
18. “Come now, let us reason together,” says Adonai. “Though your sins be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they will become like wool.
19. If you are willing and obey, you will eat the good of the land.
20. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured with the sword.” For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.
21. How the Faithful City became a harlot! She once was full of justice, righteousness lodged in her— but now murderers!
22. Your silver has become dross, your wine diluted by water.
23. Your princes are rebellious and friends with thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, nor does a widow’s case come to them.
24. Therefore says the Lord Adonai-Tzva’ot, the Mighty One of Israel: “Oy ! I will get relief from My foes and avenge Myself on My enemies.
25. Then I will turn My hand on you, purge away your dross, and remove all your alloy.
26. I will restore your judges as at first, your counselors as at the start. Afterward you will be called City of Righteousness, Faithful City.
27. Zion will be redeemed with justice, her repentant with righteousness.”
28. But there will be a crushing of transgressors and sinners together. Forsaking Adonai, they will be consumed.
29. For they will be ashamed of the sacred oaks that you desired, and embarrassed because of the gardens that you have chosen.
30. For you will be like an oak of withering leaf, like a garden that has no water.
31. So the strong will become tinder and his work like a spark— both will burn together, and no one will quench them.