1Hear what the LORD says to you, O Israel.
2Thus says the LORD, “Do not learn the ways of the nations, and do not be puzzled by the signs of heaven; or fear the predictions of nations.
3For the customs of these people are vain; they cut a tree out of the forest, then craftsmen shape it with their hands and with an axe.
4They deck it with silver and gold, then use hammer and nails to prevent it from toppling over.
5They stand upright like a palm tree or a scarecrow, but they cannot talk; and must be carried, because they cannot walk. Do not regard them; for they can neither harm, nor do any good.
6O LORD, as there is none like You and Your great and mighty name.
7Who should not fear You, O King of nations? For that title belongs to You alone, for among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like to You.
8But they are altogether stupid and foolish; led by things made of wood or stone.
9Silver from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz are beaten into plates, then fashioned by the work of the craftsman; then clothed in blue and purple, all the work of skillful men.
10But the LORD is the true and living God. He is the everlasting King; and at His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to stand His indignation.
11Thus shall you say to them, “These ‘gods’, that have not made the heavens and the earth, shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
12 But God has made the earth by His power; He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by His discretion.
13When He speaks, His voice is like thunder, that brings volumes of water from the heavens, and He causes the vapors to rise from the ends of the earth; He sends lightnings with rain, and calls the wind out of His treasures (storehouse).
14Each of these men is stupid; in his ignorance; each goldsmith is disgraced by these engraved images; for they are frauds, based upon falsehood, and there is no breath in them.
15They are the product of vain and erroneous tales; when they are judged, they shall perish.
16But the Portion of Jacob is not like them; for He is the Creator of all things; including Israel, the people of His inheritance; The LORD of hosts is His name.
17Gather up your belongings of this land, you who live under seige.
18For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I will suddenly hurl the inhabitants out of the land, and will bring distress upon them so that they may be captured.
19Woe is me for my wound is grievous; but I said, “Truly this is a grief that I must bear.
20My tent is destroyed, and all its ropes are torn; my children are gone, and are no more; there is none to pitch my tent anymore, and set up my shelter.
21The shepherds (rulers) of my people have lost their senses, and do not seek the LORD; therefore, they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.
22Listen! We hear a report of a great commotion out of the north country. It will make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den for jackals.
23O LORD, I know that our lives are not our own; we are not able to properly direct our steps.
24LORD, give me correction (discipline), but with justice and Your grace; and not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.
25Pour out Your fury upon the nations that do not acknowledge You, and upon the families that will not call upon Your name; for they have devoured Jacob, and consumed him, and have made his homeland desolate. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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