1What sorrow awaits the city (Jerusalem) of filthy, rebellious oppressors!
2She obeys no one; she accepts no correction; she does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God.
3Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges (rulers) are evening wolves; by dawn, there is no trace of their prey.
4Her prophets are fickle and treacherous persons; her priests profane the sanctuary, and do violence to the law.
5The just LORD is still there in her midst (and sees all this injustice); He does no wrong; morning by morning He dispenses His justice, He never fails; but the wicked know no shame.
6I have destroyed the nations, their towers are demolished; I have left their streets deserted, that no one passes by; their cities are laid waste, so that there is no man that inhabits them.
7 Of Jerusalem I said, “Surely they will honor Me and accept instruction; so that their dwellings and refuges should not be destroyed, nor incur My punishment”; but they rose early, eager to act wickedly.”
8“Therefore, be patient”, says the LORD, “until the day that I rise up to seize the prey; for I have determined to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them My indignation - all My fierce anger; for all the earth shall be consumed with the fire of My jealousy.
9For then will I sanctify the people, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD with clean lips, to serve Him with one accord.
10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (Cush) My suppliants (worshippers), even My dispersed people, shall bring Me offerings.
11In that day shall you (Jerusalem) not be ashamed for all your wrong deeds by which you have transgressed against Me; for then I will remove from you those who rejoice in prideful boasting, and you shall no more be arrogant on My holy mountain.
12I will also leave within you the meek and humble people, who shall trust in the name of the LORD.
13This remnant of Israel shall do no wrong, nor speak lies, for not a deceitful tongue shall be found in their mouth. They shall eat and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
15The LORD has taken away your punishment, He has turned back your enemy; the LORD, the King of Israel, in with you, you shall never again fear any harm.
16On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, “Fear not”; and to Zion, “Let your hands noy be slack”.
17The LORD, your God, Who is with you, is mighty; He will save, He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you; but will rejoice over you with singing.
18I will gather them who are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of you, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
19Behold, At that time I will deal with all that oppressed you; and I will rescue those that are lame, and gather those that were driven out (to exile); and I will ensure that they receive praise and due recognition in every land where they have been put to shame.
20At that time I will bring you back again, even in the time that I gather you; for I will give you honor and a praise among all people of the earth, when I restore you from places of your captivity, before your very eyes”, says the LORD. The meaning of verse 18 is obscure in most English translations. Following is an attempt at a rendering that hopefully offers some insight without distorting the intent of the verse: 18I will gather those (in exile) who are sorrowful for (who grieve over being denied participation in) the solemn assemblies, those exiles who bore the burden of reproach (of their captors ridicule). Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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