Study Desk

Woe to the city that is rebellious^[a](a) and defiled,^(b) the oppressive city!

She has not obeyed;^(c) she has not accepted discipline.^(d) She has not trusted^(e) in Yahweh; she has not drawn near to her God.

The^[b] princes within her are roaring lions;^(f) her judges are wolves of the night,^(g) which leave nothing for^[c] the morning.

Her prophets are reckless^(h)— treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction.⁽ⁱ⁾

The righteous Lord is in her;^(j) He does no wrong.^(k) He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the one who does wrong knows no shame.^(l)

I have cut off nations; their corner towers^(m) are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant.⁽ⁿ⁾

I thought: You will certainly fear Me and accept correction. Then her dwelling place^[d] would not be cut off based on all that I had allocated to her. However, they became more corrupt in all their actions.

Therefore, wait for Me^(o)— this is the Lord 's declaration— until the day I rise up for plunder.^[e] For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out My indignation^(p) on them, all My burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy.^(q)

For I will then restore pure^(r) speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve Him with a single purpose.^[f]

From beyond the rivers of Cush^(s) My supplicants, My dispersed people, will bring an offering to Me.

On that day you^[g] will not be put to shame^(t) because of everything you have done in rebelling^(u) against Me. For then I will remove your proud,^(v) arrogant people from among you, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain.^(w)

I will leave a meek and humble people^(x) among you, and they will take refuge in the name of Yahweh.

The remnant^(y) of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. But they will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid.^(z)

Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!

The Lord has removed your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.

On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.^(aa)

Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior^(ab) who saves. He will rejoice over you^(ac) with gladness. He will bring you quietness^[h] with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy."^(ad)

I will gather those who have been driven^(ae) from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you^[i] and a reproach on her.^[j]

Yes, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame^(af) and gather the scattered;^(ag) I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.

At that time I will bring you^[k] back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes^(ah) before your eyes. Yahweh has spoken.