\id ISA - Christian Standard Bible® in English
\ide UTF-8
\rem Copyright © 2017-2020 by Holman Bible Publishers
\rem Language: English
\rem Text update February 2024
\toc3 Is
\toc2 Isaiah
\toc1 Isaiah
\mt Isaiah
\c 1
\m
\v 1 The vision~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Pr 29:18; Dn 8:1; Ob 1; Nah 1:1; Hab 2:2–3\+xt*\f* concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Is 2:1; 13:1\+xt*\f* son of Amoz saw during the reigns~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft ca 792–686 BC\f* of Kings Uzziah,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt 2Ch 26:3–5\+xt*\f* Jotham,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 15:32–38\+xt*\f* Ahaz,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 16:1–4\+xt*\f* and Hezekiah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:1–8\+xt*\f* of Judah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Hs 1:1; Mc 1:1\+xt*\f*
\s1 Judah on Trial
\q1
\v 2 Listen, heavens, and~pay~attention,~earth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft \+xt Dt 4:26; 32:1; Is 30:1; Mc 1:2\+xt*\f*
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* has~spoken:
\q “I have raised~children~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft Or \fqa sons\ft , also in v.~4\f* and~brought~them~up,
\q but they have~rebelled against~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft \+xt Is 30:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 The ox knows its~owner,
\q and the donkey its~master’s feeding~trough,
\q but Israel does~not~know;
\q my people do~not~understand.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft \+xt Jr 8:7\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 4 Oh sinful nation,
\q people weighed down with~iniquity,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\q brood of~evildoers,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Is 14:20; Mt 3:7\+xt*\f*
\q depraved children!
\q They have abandoned~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Dt 4:31\+xt*\f* the~\nd Lord\nd*;
\q they have despised~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Nm 14:11; Dt 31:20; Pr 5:12; Is 5:24\+xt*\f* the~Holy~One of~Israel;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Is 5:19,24; 10:20; 12:6; 29:19; 30:11–15\+xt*\f*
\q they have turned their~backs on~him.
\b
\q1
\v 5 Why do you want more~beatings?
\q Why do you keep~on~rebelling?
\q The whole head is~hurt,
\q and the whole heart is~sick.
\q1
\v 6 From the sole of~the~foot even~to~the~head,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Jb 2:7\+xt*\f*
\q no spot is~uninjured~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Ps 38:3\+xt*\f*~—
\q wounds, welts, and~festering~sores
\q not cleansed, bandaged,
\q or soothed with~oil.
\b
\q1
\v 7 Your land is~desolate,
\q your cities burned~down;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft \+xt Lv 26:33; Dt 28:51–52; Is 6:11–12; Jr 44:6\+xt*\f*
\q foreigners devour your~fields
\q right in front of you~—
\q a desolation, like a place demolished by~foreigners.
\q1
\v 8 Daughter Zion~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft \+xt Is 10:32; 37:22; Zch 2:10; 9:9\+xt*\f* is~abandoned
\q like a shelter in~a~vineyard,
\q like a shack in~a~cucumber~field,
\q like a besieged city.
\q1
\v 9 If the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt 1Sm 17:45\+xt*\f*
\q had not left us a~few~survivors,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt Is 10:21–22\+xt*\f*
\q we would be like~Sodom,
\q we would resemble~Gomorrah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt Gn 19:24–25; Is 3:9; 13:19; Rm 9:29\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 10 Hear the word of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:10 \ft \+xt Is 28:14\+xt*\f*
\q you rulers of~Sodom!
\q Listen to the~instruction of~our~God,
\q you people of~Gomorrah!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:10 \ft \+xt Is 3:9; Ezk 16:46–49,55; Rv 11:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 “What are all~your~sacrifices to~me?~”
\q asks the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q “I have had enough of~burnt~offerings and~rams
\q and the fat of~well-fed~cattle;
\q I have no desire for~the~blood of~bulls,
\q lambs, or~male~goats.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:11 \ft \+xt 1Sm 15:22; Jr 6:20; Hs 6:6; Am 5:21–24; Mt 23:23; Mk 12:33\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 When you come to~appear before~me,
\q who requires this from~you~—
\q this trampling of~my~courts?
\q1
\v 13 Stop bringing useless~offerings.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Mal 1:10\+xt*\f*
\q Your incense is~detestable to~me.
\q New Moons and~Sabbaths,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Nm 28:11; 1Ch 23:31\+xt*\f*
\q and the calling of~solemn~assemblies~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Ex 12:16; Lv 23:36\+xt*\f*~—
\q I cannot stand iniquity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* with~a~festival.
\q1
\v 14 I hate your~New~Moons and~prescribed~festivals.
\q They have become a~burden to~me;
\q I am tired of~putting~up with~them.
\q1
\v 15 When you spread out your~hands in~prayer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt 1Kg 8:22\+xt*\f*
\q I will refuse to~look at~you;
\q even if you offer countless~prayers,
\q I will not listen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Is 59:2; Jr 7:16; Ezk 8:18; Am 5:23; Hab 1:2; Zch 7:13\+xt*\f*
\q Your hands are~covered with~blood.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Pr 1:28; Is 59:1–3; Mc 3:4\+xt*\f*
\s1 Purification of Jerusalem
\q1
\v 16 “Wash yourselves. Cleanse~yourselves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft \+xt Ps 26:6; Is 4:4; 52:11\+xt*\f*
\q Remove your~evil~deeds from~my~sight.
\q Stop doing evil.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft \+xt Jr 25:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 Learn to do what~is~good.
\q Pursue justice.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft \+xt Dt 16:20; 1Kg 3:11; Ps 89:14; Is 10:2; 11:4; Am 5:15; Zch 7:9\+xt*\f*
\q Correct the~oppressor.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft Or \fqa Aid the oppressed\f*
\q Defend the~rights of~the~fatherless.
\q Plead the~widow’s~cause.
\b
\q1
\v 18 “Come, let’s settle~this,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:18 \ft \+xt Is 41:1,21; 43:26; Mc 6:2\+xt*\f*
\q says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q “Though your sins are~scarlet,
\q they will be as~white as~snow;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:18 \ft \+xt Ps 51:7; Is 43:25; 44:22; Rv 7:14\+xt*\f*
\q though they are~crimson~red,
\q they will be like~wool.
\q1
\v 19 If you are willing and~obedient,
\q you will eat the~good~things of~the~land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:19–20 \ft \+xt Dt 30:15–20\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 But if you refuse and~rebel,
\q you will be devoured by~the~sword.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:20 \ft \+xt Jr 12:12\+xt*\f*
\q For the mouth of~the~\nd Lord\nd* has~spoken.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:20 \ft \+xt Is 24:3; 40:5; 58:14; Mc 4:4\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 21 The faithful town~—
\q what an adulteress~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:21 \ft Or \fqa prostitute\f* she~has~become!
\q She was once full of~justice.
\q Righteousness once dwelt in~her,
\q but now, murderers!
\q1
\v 22 Your silver has~become~dross to be discarded,
\q your beer~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:22 \ft Or \fqa wine\f* is~diluted with~water.
\q1
\v 23 Your rulers are~rebels,
\q friends of~thieves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:23 \ft \+xt Hs 5:10\+xt*\f*
\q They all love~graft
\q and chase after~bribes.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:23 \ft \+xt Ex 23:8; Mc 7:2–6\+xt*\f*
\q They do not defend the~rights of~the~fatherless,
\q and the widow’s case never~comes before~them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:23 \ft \+xt Ex 22:22; Dt 24:17; Is 10:2; Jr 5:28; Ezk 22:7; Zch 7:10\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 24 Therefore the~Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies,
\q the Mighty One of~Israel,~declares:
\q “Ah, I will get even with my~foes;
\q I will take revenge against~my~enemies.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:24 \ft \+xt Is 35:4; 59:18; Jr 46:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 25 I will turn my~hand against~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:25 \ft \+xt Ps 81:14; Is 5:25; Am 1:8\+xt*\f*
\q and will burn away your~dross~completely;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:25 \ft Lit \fqa dross as with lye\f*
\q I will remove all~your~impurities.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:25 \ft \+xt Ezk 22:20; Mal 3:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 26 I will restore your~judges~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:26 \ft \+xt Is 60:17; Mt 19:28\+xt*\f* to~what they were~at~first,
\q and your advisers to~what they were at the start.
\q Afterward you will~be~called the~Righteous~City,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:26 \ft \+xt Is 33:5; 60:14; 62:1–2; Zch 8:3\+xt*\f*
\q a Faithful Town.”
\b
\q1
\v 27 Zion will be redeemed by~justice,
\q those who repent, by~righteousness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:27 \ft \+xt Rm 3:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 28 At the same time both rebels and~sinners will~be~broken,
\q and those who abandon the~\nd Lord\nd* will~perish.
\q1
\v 29 Indeed, they~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 1:29 \ft Some Hb mss; other Hb mss, Tg read \fqa you\f* will~be~ashamed of~the~sacred~trees
\q you desired,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:29 \ft \+xt Is 2:8; 57:5; Hs 4:13\+xt*\f*
\q and you will~be~embarrassed because~of the~garden shrines
\q you have chosen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:29 \ft \+xt Is 65:3; 66:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 30 For you will become like~an~oak
\q whose leaves are~withered,
\q and like a garden without~water.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:30 \ft \+xt Ps 1:3; Is 64:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 31 The strong one will~become~tinder,
\q and his work a~spark;
\q both will burn together,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:31 \ft \+xt Is 5:24; 9:19; 26:11; 33:11–14\+xt*\f*
\q with no one to~extinguish the~flames.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:31 \ft \+xt Is 66:24; Mt 3:12; Mk 9:43\+xt*\f*
\c 2
\s1 The City of Peace
\m
\v 1 The vision that Isaiah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:2; 20:1; 2Ch 26:22; 32:20; Is 1:1; 13:1\+xt*\f* son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
\q1
\v 2 In~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2–4 \ft \+xt Mc 4:1–4; Rm 2:20\+xt*\f* the last days~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt Nm 24:14; Dt 4:30; Ezk 38:16; Hs 3:5\+xt*\f*
\q the mountain of~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~house~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt 2Ch 33:15; Is 27:13; 66:20\+xt*\f* will~be~established
\q at the top of~the~mountains
\q and will be raised above~the~hills.
\q All nations will~stream to~it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt Ps 22:27; Is 56:7; Zch 14:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 and many peoples will~come and~say,
\q “Come, let’s go up to~the~mountain of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q to the house of~the~God of~Jacob.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Is 29:23; 45:23; 60:13; 66:18\+xt*\f*
\q He will teach us about~his~ways
\q so that we may walk in~his~paths.”
\q For instruction will~go out~of~Zion
\q and the word of~the~\nd Lord\nd* from~Jerusalem.
\q1
\v 4 He will settle disputes among~the~nations
\q and provide arbitration for~many~peoples.
\q They will beat their~swords into~plows
\q and their spears into~pruning~knives.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt Is 11:6–9; 32:17–18; Jl 3:10\+xt*\f*
\q Nation will not take~up the~sword against~nation,
\q and they will never~again~train for~war.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt Ps 72:3,7; Is 9:7; Hs 2:18; Zch 9:10\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Day of the \nd Lord\nd*
\q1
\v 5 House of~Jacob,
\q come and let’s walk in~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~light.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:5 \ft \+xt Ps 27:1; 43:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 For you have abandoned~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft \+xt Dt 31:17; Ps 94:14; Is 1:4\+xt*\f* your~people,
\q the house of Jacob,
\q because they are full~of~divination from~the~East
\q and of fortune-tellers~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft \+xt Lv 19:26; Dt 18:10–14; 2Kg 21:6; 2Ch 33:6; Jr 27:9; Mc 5:12\+xt*\f* like~the~Philistines.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft \+xt Jdg 14:3; 1Sm 6:2; 2Kg 1:2–6\+xt*\f*
\q They are in~league~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft Or \fqa They teem\ft , or \fqa They partner\ft ; Hb obscure\f* with~foreigners.
\q1
\v 7 Their~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft Lit \fqa Its\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft = the house of Jacob\f* land is~full of~silver and~gold,
\q and there is no~limit to~their~treasures;
\q their land is~full of~horses,
\q and there is no~limit to~their~chariots.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft \+xt Dt 17:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 Their land is~full of~worthless~idols;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft \+xt Is 10:10–11; 19:1–3; 31:7; Jr 2:28\+xt*\f*
\q they worship~the~work of~their~hands,
\q what their~fingers have~made.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft \+xt Is 41:21–29; 44:9–17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 So humanity is~brought~low,
\q and each person is~humbled.
\q Do not forgive them!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:9 \ft \+xt Ex 34:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Go into the~rocks~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt Rv 6:15\+xt*\f*
\q and hide in~the~dust
\q from the terror of~the~\nd Lord\nd*~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt 1Sm 11:7; 2Ch 14:14; 17:10; 19:7; Is 2:19,21\+xt*\f*
\q and from his~majestic~splendor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt 2Th 1:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 The pride of mankind~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft Lit \fqa Mankind’s proud eyes\f* will~be~humbled,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Ps 18:27; Is 2:17; Mc 2:3; 2Co 10:5\+xt*\f*
\q and human loftiness will~be~brought~low;
\q the \nd Lord\nd* alone will~be~exalted on~that~day.
\b
\q1
\v 12 For a day belonging~to the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies is~coming
\q against all that~is~proud and~lofty,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft \+xt Mal 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q against all that~is lifted~up~#—~#it~will be~humbled~—
\q1
\v 13 against all the~cedars of~Lebanon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:13 \ft \+xt Ps 29:5; Is 14:8; Hs 14:5\+xt*\f*
\q lofty and lifted up,
\q against all the~oaks of~Bashan,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:13 \ft \+xt Ezk 27:6; Zch 11:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 against all the~high~mountains,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Is 40:4\+xt*\f*
\q against all the~lofty~hills,
\q1
\v 15 against every high~tower,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Is 25:12; Zph 1:16\+xt*\f*
\q against every fortified~wall,
\q1
\v 16 against every ship of~Tarshish,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:16 \ft \+xt 1Kg 10:22; Is 23:1,14; 60:9\+xt*\f*
\q and against every splendid sea~vessel.
\q1
\v 17 The pride of mankind will~be brought~low,
\q and human loftiness will~be~humbled;
\q the \nd Lord\nd* alone will~be~exalted on~that~day.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:17 \ft \+xt Mt 25:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 The worthless~idols will~vanish~completely.
\b
\q1
\v 19 People will go into~caves in~the~rocks~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:19 \ft \+xt Is 2:10\+xt*\f*
\q and holes in~the~ground,
\q away from the terror of~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q and from~his~majestic~splendor,
\q when he rises to~terrify the~earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:19 \ft \+xt Ps 18:7; Is 13:13; 24:1,19–20; Hg 2:6–7; Heb 12:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 On that day people will~throw
\q their worthless~idols of~silver and~gold,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:20 \ft \+xt Is 30:22; 31:7\+xt*\f*
\q which they made to~worship,
\q to the moles and~the~bats.
\q1
\v 21 They will go into~the~caves of~the~rocks
\q and the crevices in~the~cliffs,
\q away from the~terror of~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q and from his~majestic~splendor,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:21 \ft \+xt Is 2:10\+xt*\f*
\q when he rises to~terrify the~earth.
\q1
\v 22 Put no more trust in~a mere human,
\q who has only~the~breath in~his~nostrils.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:22 \ft \+xt Ps 39:11; 144:4; 146:3; Jr 17:5; Jms 4:14\+xt*\f*
\q What is he really~worth?
\c 3
\s1 Judah’s Leaders Judged
\q1
\v 1 Note this: The~Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q is about to remove from~Jerusalem and~from~Judah
\q every kind of~security:
\q the entire supply of~bread and~water,
\q1
\v 2 heroes and~warriors,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:2 \ft \+xt 2Kg 24:14; Ezk 17:13–14\+xt*\f*
\q judges and~prophets,
\q fortune-tellers and~elders,
\q1
\v 3 commanders of~fifty and~dignitaries,
\q counselors, cunning~magicians,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:3 \ft Or \fqa skilled craftsmen\f* and~necromancers.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:3 \ft Or \fqa mediums\f*
\q1
\v 4 “I will make youths their~leaders,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft \+xt Ec 10:16\+xt*\f*
\q and unstable rulers~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft Or \fqa mischief-makers\f* will~govern~them.”
\q1
\v 5 The people will oppress one~another,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft \+xt Mc 7:3–6\+xt*\f*
\q man against man, neighbor against~neighbor;
\q the young will act arrogantly toward~the~old,
\q and the worthless toward~the~honorable.
\q1
\v 6 A man will even seize his~brother
\q in~his~father’s~house,~saying,
\q “You have a cloak~#—~#you~be our~leader!
\q This heap of rubble will~be under~your~control.”
\q1
\v 7 On that day he~will~cry~out,~saying,
\q “I’m not a~healer.
\q I don’t even have food or~clothing in~my~house.
\q Don’t make me the~leader of~the~people!~”
\q1
\v 8 For Jerusalem has~stumbled
\q and Judah has~fallen
\q because they have spoken and~acted against~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:8 \ft \+xt Ps 73:9–11\+xt*\f*
\q defying his~glorious~presence.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:8 \ft \+xt Nm 14:22–23; Is 43:7; 48:11; 59:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 The look on~their~faces testifies against~them,
\q and like Sodom,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:9 \ft \+xt Is 1:9–10; 13:19\+xt*\f* they~flaunt their~sin;
\q they do not conceal it.
\q Woe to them,
\q for they have brought disaster on~themselves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:9 \ft \+xt Rm 6:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Tell the righteous that it~will~go~well for~them,
\q for they will eat the~fruit of~their~labor.
\q1
\v 11 Woe to the wicked~#—~#it~will~go~badly for~them,
\q for what they have done will~be~done to~them.
\q1
\v 12 Youths oppress my~people,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:12 \ft \+xt Is 3:4\+xt*\f*
\q and women rule over~them.
\q My people, your~leaders mislead~you;
\q they confuse the~direction of~your~paths.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:12 \ft \+xt Is 28:14–22\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 13 The \nd Lord\nd* rises to~argue the~case
\q and stands to~judge the~people.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:13 \ft \+xt Ps 7:6; Hs 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 The \nd Lord\nd* brings this~charge
\q against the elders and~leaders of~his~people:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft \+xt Mc 3:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q “You have devastated the~vineyard.
\q The plunder from~the~poor is in~your~houses.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft \+xt Ezk 18:10–18; 33:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 Why do you crush my~people
\q and grind the faces of~the~poor?~”
\qm This is the~declaration
\qm of~the~Lord~\nd God\nd* of~Armies.
\s1 Jerusalem’s Women Judged
\m
\v 16 The \nd Lord\nd* also says:
\q Because the daughters of~Zion are~haughty,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:16 \ft \+xt Is 32:9–15; 1Pt 3:3–4\+xt*\f*
\q walking with heads held~high
\q and seductive eyes,
\q prancing along,
\q jingling their ankle bracelets,
\q1
\v 17 the Lord will put scabs on~the~heads
\q of the daughters of~Zion,
\q and the \nd Lord\nd* will~shave their~foreheads~bare.
\b
\p
\v 18 On that day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:18 \ft \+xt Is 27:12\+xt*\f* the Lord will strip their finery: ankle bracelets, headbands, crescents,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:18 \ft \+xt Jdg 8:21,26\+xt*\f*
\v 19 pendants, bracelets, veils,
\v 20 headdresses, ankle jewelry, sashes, perfume bottles, amulets,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:20 \ft \+xt Ezk 24:17\+xt*\f*
\v 21 signet rings, nose rings,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:21 \ft \+xt Gn 24:47; Ezk 16:12\+xt*\f*
\v 22 festive robes, capes, cloaks, purses,
\v 23 garments, linen clothes, turbans, and shawls.
\q1
\v 24 Instead of perfume there~will~be a~stench;
\q instead of a~belt, a~rope;
\q instead of beautifully~styled~hair,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:24 \ft \+xt 1Pt 3:3\+xt*\f*~baldness;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:24 \ft \+xt Is 15:2; 22:12; Ezk 27:31; Am 8:10; Mc 1:16\+xt*\f*
\q instead of fine~clothes,~sackcloth;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:24 \ft \+xt Gn 37:34; Is 15:3; Jr 48:36–38; Lm 2:10\+xt*\f*
\q instead of beauty, branding.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 3:24 \ft DSS read \fqa shame\f*
\q1
\v 25 Your men will fall by~the~sword,
\q your warriors in~battle.
\q1
\v 26 Then her gates~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:26 \ft \+xt Jr 14:2; Lm 1:4\+xt*\f* will~lament and~mourn;
\q deserted, she will sit on~the~ground.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:26 \ft \+xt Jb 2:13; Is 47:1; Lm 2:10\+xt*\f*
\c 4
\q1
\v 1 On that day seven~women
\q will seize one~man,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft \+xt Is 3:25\+xt*\f*~saying,
\q “We will eat our~own~bread
\q and provide our~own~clothing.
\q Just let us bear~your~name.
\q Take away our~disgrace.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft \+xt Gn 19:31–32; 30:23; Neh 1:3; Is 54:4; Lk 1:25\+xt*\f*
\s1 Zion’s Future Glory
\m
\v 2 On that day the Branch~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft Or \fqa plant\f* of the \nd Lord\nd* will be beautiful and glorious,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt 2Sm 23:4–5; Ps 132:17; Jr 23:5; 33:15; Zch 3:8; 6:12\+xt*\f* and the fruit of the land~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt Ps 72:16; Is 27:6\+xt*\f* will be the pride and glory~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt Is 3:18\+xt*\f* of Israel’s survivors.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt Gn 45:7; Jdg 21:17; 2Kg 19:30–31; Is 10:20; 37:31–32; Jl 2:32; Ob 17\+xt*\f*
\v 3 Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Is 28:5; Rm 11:4–5\+xt*\f* will be called holy~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Is 52:1; 62:12\+xt*\f*~#—~#all in Jerusalem written in the book of life~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft Lit \fqa Jerusalem recorded for life\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Ex 32:32; Ps 69:28; 87:6; 139:16; Is 49:16; Ezk 13:9; Mal 3:16; Lk 10:20; Ac 13:48\+xt*\f*~#—~#
\v 4 when the Lord has washed away the filth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt 2Ch 4:6; Ezk 40:38; Zch 13:1\+xt*\f* of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodguilt~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt Is 1:15; 3:13–15\+xt*\f* from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt Is 28:6\+xt*\f* and a spirit of burning.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt Is 1:31; 9:19; 33:14; Mal 3:2; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:17\+xt*\f*
\v 5 Then the \nd Lord\nd* will create~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft \+xt Gn 1:1; Is 40:26,28; 41:20; 43:1,7,15; 45:7–8; 65:17–18\+xt*\f* a cloud of smoke by day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft \+xt Ex 13:21–22; 14:20; 40:34; Nm 9:15–23\+xt*\f* and a glowing flame of fire by night over the entire site of Mount Zion and over its assemblies. For there will be a canopy over all the glory,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft Or \fqa For glory will be a canopy over all\f*
\v 6 and there will be a shelter for shade from heat by day and a refuge and shelter from storm and rain.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:6 \ft \+xt Ps 27:5; Is 25:4; 32:1–2\+xt*\f*
\c 5
\s1 Song of the Vineyard
\q1
\v 1 I will sing about~the~one I~love,
\q a song about~my~loved~one’s~vineyard:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:1 \ft \+xt Ps 80:8; Jr 12:10; Mt 21:33; Lk 20:9\+xt*\f*
\q The one I love had a~vineyard
\q on a very fertile~hill.
\q1
\v 2 He broke up the~soil, cleared~it of~stones,
\q and planted it with~the~finest~vines.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:2 \ft \+xt Jr 2:21\+xt*\f*
\q He built a tower in~the~middle of~it
\q and even dug~out a~winepress~there.
\q He expected~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:2 \ft \+xt Is 40:31\+xt*\f* it to~yield good~grapes,
\q but it yielded worthless~grapes.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:2 \ft \+xt Mt 21:19; Mk 11:13; Lk 13:6\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 3 So now, residents~of~Jerusalem
\q and men of~Judah,
\q please judge between~me
\q and my vineyard.
\q1
\v 4 What more could~I have~done for~my~vineyard
\q than I did?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:4 \ft \+xt Mc 6:3–4; Mt 23:37\+xt*\f*
\q Why, when I expected a~yield of~good~grapes,
\q did it yield worthless~grapes?
\q1
\v 5 Now I will tell~you
\q what I am about~to~do to~my~vineyard:
\q I will remove its~hedge,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:5 \ft \+xt Ps 89:40; Jr 5:10\+xt*\f*
\q and it will be~consumed;
\q I will tear down its~wall,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:5 \ft \+xt Ps 80:12\+xt*\f*
\q and it will be~trampled.
\q1
\v 6 I will make it a~wasteland.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft \+xt 2Ch 36:19–21; Is 7:19–25; 24:1,3; 27:2–6; Jr 25:11\+xt*\f*
\q It will not be~pruned or~weeded;
\q thorns and briers will~grow~up.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft \+xt Gn 3:18; Is 7:23–25; 9:18; 10:17; 27:4; 32:13\+xt*\f*
\q I will also give orders to~the~clouds
\q that rain should not~fall on~it.
\q1
\v 7 For the vineyard of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies
\q is the house of~Israel,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft \+xt Ps 80:8–11\+xt*\f*
\q and the men~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft Lit \fqa man\f* of~Judah,
\q the plant he~delighted~in.
\q He expected~justice
\q but saw injustice;
\q he expected righteousness
\q but~heard~cries of~despair.
\s1 Judah’s Sins Denounced
\q1
\v 8 Woe to those who~add house to~house~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:8 \ft \+xt Jr 22:13–17; Mc 2:2; Hab 2:9–12\+xt*\f*
\q and join field to~field
\q until there is no~more~room
\q and you alone are~left in~the~land.
\b
\p
\v 9 I heard the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies say:
\q Indeed, many houses~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:9 \ft \+xt Am 3:10,15\+xt*\f* will~become~desolate,
\q grand and lovely ones without~inhabitants.
\q1
\v 10 For a ten-acre~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft Lit \fqa ten-yoke\f* vineyard will~yield
\q only~six~gallons of wine,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft Lit \fqa one bath\f*
\q and ten bushels~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft Lit \fqa one homer\f* of~seed will~yield
\q only~one~bushel of grain.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft Lit \fqa yield an ephah\f*
\b
\q1
\v 11 Woe to those who~rise~early in~the~morning
\q in pursuit of~beer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:11 \ft \+xt Lv 10:9; Nm 6:3; Dt 29:6; Jdg 13:4; Is 5:22; 24:9; 28:7; 56:12\+xt*\f*
\q who linger into~the~evening,
\q inflamed by~wine.
\q1
\v 12 At their feasts they~have lyre,~harp,
\q tambourine, flute, and~wine.
\q They do not perceive the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~actions,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:12 \ft \+xt Dt 32:4; Jb 34:27; 36:24; Ps 28:5; 44:1; 64:9–10\+xt*\f*
\q and they do not see the~work of~his~hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:12 \ft \+xt Ex 32:16; 34:10; Ps 8:3,6; 19:1; 92:4–5; Is 10:12; 29:23\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 13 Therefore my people will go into~exile
\q because they lack~knowledge;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft \+xt Is 1:3; 27:11; Hs 4:6; Lk 11:52; 19:42; 1Tm 1:13\+xt*\f*
\q her~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft Lit \fqa its\f* dignitaries are~starving,
\q and her masses are~parched with~thirst.
\q1
\v 14 Therefore Sheol enlarges its~throat
\q and opens wide its~enormous~jaws,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft \+xt Pr 30:16; Hab 2:5\+xt*\f*
\q and down go Zion’s dignitaries, her~masses,
\q her crowds, and those who~celebrate in~her!
\q1
\v 15 Humanity is brought low, each person~is~humbled,
\q and haughty eyes are~humbled.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:15 \ft \+xt Is 2:9,11,17; 10:33\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 But the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies is~exalted by~his~justice,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Is 33:5,10\+xt*\f*
\q and the holy God~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Is 6:3\+xt*\f* demonstrates his holiness through his~righteousness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Is 8:13; 29:23; 1Pt 3:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 Lambs will graze
\q as if in~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 5:17 \ft Syr reads \fqa graze in\f* their~own~pastures,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:17 \ft \+xt Mc 2:12\+xt*\f*
\q and resident aliens~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 5:17 \ft LXX reads \fqa sheep\f* will eat
\q among the ruins of~the~rich.
\b
\q1
\v 18 Woe to those who~drag~iniquity
\q with cords of~deceit~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:18 \ft \+xt Pr 5:22; Is 59:4–8; Jr 23:10–14\+xt*\f*
\q and pull sin along with~cart~ropes,
\q1
\v 19 to those who say,
\q “Let him hurry up and~do his~work~quickly
\q so that we can see it!
\q Let the plan~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:19 \ft \+xt Jb 38:2; 42:3; Ps 33:11; 106:13; 107:11; Pr 19:21; Is 14:26; 19:17; 46:10–11\+xt*\f* of~the~Holy~One of~Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:19 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f* take~place
\q so that we can know it!~”
\q1
\v 20 Woe to those who~call evil~good
\q and good evil,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:20 \ft \+xt Pr 17:15; Am 5:7; Mal 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q who substitute darkness for~light
\q and light for~darkness,
\q who substitute bitter for~sweet
\q and sweet for~bitter.
\q1
\v 21 Woe to those who~consider~themselves wise
\q and judge themselves clever.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:21 \ft Lit \fqa and clever before their face\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:21 \ft \+xt Pr 3:7; Rm 12:16; 1Co 3:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 Woe to those who~are~heroes at~drinking~wine,
\q who are champions at pouring beer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:22 \ft \+xt Is 5:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 23 who acquit the~guilty for~a~bribe~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:23 \ft \+xt Ex 23:8; Pr 17:15; Is 1:23; 33:15\+xt*\f*
\q and deprive the~innocent of~justice.
\b
\q1
\v 24 Therefore, as a tongue of~fire consumes~straw
\q and as dry grass shrivels in~the~flame,
\q so their roots will~become like~something~rotten
\q and their blossoms will~blow~away like~dust,
\q for they have rejected~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:24 \ft \+xt Is 8:6; 30:9,12; Am 2:4; Ac 13:41\+xt*\f*
\q the instruction of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies,
\q and they have despised
\q the word of~the~Holy~One of~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:24 \ft \+xt Is 5:19; Jr 51:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 25 Therefore the \nd Lord\nd*’s anger burned~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:25 \ft \+xt Nm 11:10,33; 32:10–13; Dt 6:15; Jos 7:1; 23:16; 2Kg 13:3; Ps 106:40\+xt*\f* against~his~people.
\q He raised his hand against~them and~struck~them;
\q the mountains quaked,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:25 \ft \+xt Am 1:1; Zch 14:5\+xt*\f*
\q and their corpses were like~garbage in~the~streets.
\q In all this, his anger has not~turned away,
\q and his hand is still~raised to~strike.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:25 \ft \+xt Is 9:12,17,21; 10:4; 14:27\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 26 He raises a signal flag for~the~distant~nations~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:26 \ft \+xt Is 10:5; 11:10,12; 13:2; 18:3\+xt*\f*
\q and whistles~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:26 \ft \+xt Is 7:18; Zch 10:8\+xt*\f* for them from~the~ends of~the~earth.
\q Look~#—~#how quickly and~swiftly they~come!
\q1
\v 27 None of them grows weary or~stumbles;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:27 \ft \+xt 1Jn 2:10\+xt*\f*
\q no one slumbers or~sleeps.
\q No belt is~loose
\q and no sandal strap broken.
\q1
\v 28 Their arrows are sharpened,
\q and all their bows strung.
\q Their horses’ hooves are like~flint;
\q their chariot wheels are like~a~whirlwind.
\q1
\v 29 Their roaring is like~a~lion’s;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:29 \ft \+xt Jdg 14:5; Hs 13:8; Jl 1:6; Nah 2:12–13\+xt*\f*
\q they roar like~young~lions;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:29 \ft \+xt Rv 9:17\+xt*\f*
\q they growl and~seize their~prey
\q and carry it~off,
\q and no one can~rescue~it.
\q1
\v 30 On that day they~will~roar over~it,
\q like the roaring of~the~sea.
\q When one looks at~the~land,
\q there will be darkness and~distress;
\q light will be obscured by~clouds.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:30 \ft Lit \fqa its clouds\f*
\c 6
\s1 Isaiah’s Call and Mission
\m
\v 1 In the year that King Uzziah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 15:1–7; Is 1:1; 14:28\+xt*\f* died, I saw the Lord~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft \+xt Gn 32:30; Ex 3:1–6; 24:9–10; Jos 5:13–15; 1Kg 22:19; Is 31:3; Jn 1:18; 4:24; 12:41\+xt*\f* seated on a high and lofty~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft \+xt Is 52:13; 57:15\+xt*\f* throne,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft \+xt Ps 9:7; 11:4; 45:6; Is 66:1; Jr 3:17; Ezk 1:26; 10:1; 43:7\+xt*\f* and the hem of his robe filled the temple.
\v 2 Seraphim~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft = heavenly beings\f* were standing above him; they each had six wings:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Rv 4:8\+xt*\f* with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Ezk 1:14\+xt*\f*
\v 3 And one called to another:
\q Holy, holy, holy is the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies;
\q his glory~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:3 \ft \+xt Ex 16:10; 24:16–17; 40:34–35; 1Kg 8:11; Is 35:2; 40:5; 60:1; Ezk 1:28; Lk 9:32\+xt*\f* fills the~whole~earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:3 \ft \+xt Nm 14:21; Ps 72:19\+xt*\f*
\m
\v 4 The foundations of the doorways shook~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:4 \ft \+xt Ex 19:8; Hab 3:3–10; Rv 15:8\+xt*\f* at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.
\p
\v 5 Then I said:
\q Woe is me~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:5 \ft \+xt Ex 33:20; Jdg 13:22; Is 59:3; Jr 9:3–8; Lk 5:8\+xt*\f* for~I~am~ruined~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:5 \ft Or \fqa I must be silent\f*
\q because I am a man of~unclean~lips
\q and live among a~people of~unclean~lips,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:5 \ft \+xt Ex 6:12,30\+xt*\f*
\q and because my eyes have~seen the~King,
\q the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies.
\b
\p
\v 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:6 \ft \+xt Lv 6:12–13; 17:11\+xt*\f* with tongs.
\v 7 He touched my mouth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:7 \ft \+xt Jr 1:9; Dn 10:16\+xt*\f* with it and said:
\q Now that this has~touched your~lips,
\q your iniquity is~removed
\q and your sin is~atoned~for.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:7 \ft \+xt Ex 21:30; 30:12–16\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:
\q Who will I~send?
\q Who will go for~us?
\b
\p I said:
\q Here I am. Send~me.
\b
\p
\v 9 And he replied:
\q Go! Say to these people:
\q Keep listening, but~do~not~understand;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:9–10 \ft \+xt Mt 13:14–15; Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10; Jn 12:40; Ac 28:26–27\+xt*\f*
\q keep looking, but~do~not~perceive.
\q1
\v 10 Make the minds~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft Lit \fqa heart\f* of these people dull;
\q deafen their ears and~blind their~eyes;
\q otherwise they might see with~their~eyes
\q and hear with~their~ears,
\q understand with~their~minds,
\q turn back, and~be~healed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft \+xt Zch 7:11–12; 1Th 2:16\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 11 Then I said, “Until when, Lord?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:11 \ft \+xt Ps 79:5; 89:46\+xt*\f* And he replied:
\q Until cities lie in~ruins without~inhabitants,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:11 \ft \+xt Is 1:7; 27:10\+xt*\f*
\q houses are without~people,
\q the land is ruined and~desolate,
\q1
\v 12 and the \nd Lord\nd* drives the~people far~away,
\q leaving great emptiness in~the~land.
\q1
\v 13 Though a tenth will~remain in~the~land,
\q it will be burned~again.
\q Like the terebinth or~the~oak
\q that leaves a stump when~felled,
\q the holy seed~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:13 \ft \+xt Is 41:8; 43:5; 45:25; 53:10; 59:21; 65:9,23; 66:22\+xt*\f* is the~stump.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:13 \ft \+xt Is 11:1\+xt*\f*
\c 7
\s1 The Message to Ahaz
\m
\v 1 This took place during the reign of Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah king of Judah:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:1 \ft \+xt Is 1:1\+xt*\f* Aram’s King Rezin and Israel’s King Pekah son of Remaliah went to fight against Jerusalem,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 15:25,37; 16:5\+xt*\f* but they were not able to conquer it.
\p
\v 2 When it became known to the house of David~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:2 \ft \+xt Is 7:13; 9:7; 16:5; 22:9,22; 29:1; 37:35; 38:5; 55:3\+xt*\f* that Aram had occupied Ephraim,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:2 \ft \+xt Is 8:12; 9:9\+xt*\f* the heart of Ahaz~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:2 \ft Lit \fqa Aram has rested upon Ephraim, his heart\f* and the hearts of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind.
\p
\v 3 The \nd Lord\nd* said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 7:3 \ft = A Remnant Will Return\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:3 \ft \+xt Is 8:3,18\+xt*\f* to meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:3 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:17; Is 36:2\+xt*\f* by the road to the Launderer’s Field.
\v 4 Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or cowardly~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:4 \ft \+xt Gn 15:1; Ex 14:13; 20:20; Nm 14:9; Dt 20:3; 31:6; Jos 10:8,25; Is 10:24; 35:4; 41:14\+xt*\f* because of these two smoldering sticks, the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram, and the son of Remaliah.
\v 5 For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted harm against you. They say,
\v 6 ‘Let’s go up against Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it for ourselves. Then we can install Tabeel’s son as king in it.’~”
\p
\v 7 This is what the Lord \nd God\nd* says:
\q It will not happen; it~will~not~occur.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:7 \ft \+xt Is 8:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 The chief city of~Aram is~Damascus,
\q the chief of~Damascus is~Rezin
\q (within sixty-five years
\q Ephraim will be too~shattered to~be a~people),
\q1
\v 9 the chief city of~Ephraim is~Samaria,
\q and the chief of~Samaria is~the~son of~Remaliah.
\q If you do not stand~firm in~your~faith,
\q then you will not stand at~all.
\s1 The Immanuel Prophecy
\m
\v 10 Then the \nd Lord\nd* spoke again to Ahaz:
\v 11 “Ask for a sign~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:11 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:29; Is 37:30; 38:7–8; 55:13\+xt*\f* from the \nd Lord\nd* your God~#—~#it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.”
\p
\v 12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the \nd Lord\nd*.”
\p
\v 13 Isaiah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:13 \ft \+xt Mt 3:3; 12:17\+xt*\f* said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:13 \ft \+xt Is 1:14; 43:24; Jr 15:6; 20:9; Mal 2:17\+xt*\f*
\v 14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 7:14 \ft In Hb, the word \fqa you \ft is pl\f* a sign: See, the virgin will conceive,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:14 \ft Or \fqa virgin is pregnant, will\f* have a son, and name him Immanuel.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 7:14 \ft = God With Us\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:14 \ft \+xt Is 8:8,10; Mt 1:23; Lk 1:31\+xt*\f*
\v 15 By the time he learns to reject what is bad and choose what is good,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft \+xt Dt 1:39\+xt*\f* he will be eating curds~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft Or \fqa sour milk\f* and honey.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:15 \ft \+xt Ex 3:8; 2Sm 17:29; Is 7:22; 8:15\+xt*\f*
\v 16 For before the boy knows to reject what is bad and choose what is good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned.
\v 17 The \nd Lord\nd* will bring on you, your people, and your father’s house such a time as has never been since Ephraim separated from Judah:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:17 \ft \+xt 1Kg 12:16\+xt*\f* He will bring the king of Assyria.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:17 \ft \+xt 2Ch 28:20; Is 8:7–8; 10:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 On that day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:18 \ft \+xt Is 27:12\+xt*\f*
\q the \nd Lord\nd* will whistle~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:18 \ft \+xt Is 5:25\+xt*\f* to~flies
\q at the farthest streams of~the~Nile
\q and to bees in~the~land of~Assyria.
\q1
\v 19 All of them will~come and~settle
\q in the steep ravines, in~the~clefts of~the~rocks,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:19 \ft \+xt Is 2:19; Jr 16:16\+xt*\f*
\q in all the thornbushes, and~in all the water~holes.
\b
\p
\v 20 On that day the Lord will use a razor~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:20 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:13–16; Is 24:1; Ezk 5:1–4\+xt*\f* hired from beyond the Euphrates River~#—~#the king of Assyria~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:20 \ft \+xt Is 8:7; 11:15; Jr 2:18\+xt*\f*~#—~#to shave the hair on your heads, the hair on your legs, and even your beards.
\q1
\v 21 On that day
\q a man will raise a~young~cow and~two~sheep,
\q1
\v 22 and from the abundant milk they~give
\q he will eat curds,
\q for every survivor in~the~land will~eat~curds and~honey.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:22 \ft \+xt Is 8:15\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 23 And on that day
\q every place where there~were a thousand~vines,
\q worth a thousand pieces of~silver,
\q will become thorns and~briers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:23 \ft \+xt Is 5:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 24 A man will go there with~bow and~arrows
\q because the whole land will~be~thorns and~briers.
\q1
\v 25 You will not go to~all~the~hills
\q that were once tilled with~a~hoe,
\q for fear of~the~thorns and~briers.
\q Those hills will~be~places for~oxen to~graze
\q and for sheep to~trample.
\c 8
\s1 The Coming Assyrian Invasion
\m
\v 1 Then the \nd Lord\nd* said to me, “Take a large piece of parchment~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:1 \ft Hb obscure\f* and write on it with an ordinary pen:~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:1 \ft Lit \fqa with the pen of a man\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:1 \ft \+xt Is 30:8; Hab 2:2\+xt*\f* Maher-shalal-hash-baz.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 8:1 \ft = Speeding to the Plunder, Hurrying to the Spoil\f*
\v 2 I have appointed~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 8:2 \ft Vg; MT, one DSS ms read \fqa I will appoint\ft ; one DSS ms, LXX, Syr, Tg read \fqa Appoint\f* trustworthy witnesses~#—~#the priest Uriah and Zechariah son of Jeberechiah.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:2 \ft \+xt 2Kg 16:10–11,15–16\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 3 I was then intimate with the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. The \nd Lord\nd* said to me, “Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz,
\v 4 for before the boy knows how to call ‘Father,’ or ‘Mother,’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:4 \ft \+xt Is 7:16\+xt*\f* the wealth of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria will be carried off to the king of Assyria.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:4 \ft \+xt Is 7:8–9\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 5 The \nd Lord\nd* spoke to me again:
\q1
\v 6 Because these people~rejected
\q the slowly flowing water of~Shiloah
\q and rejoiced with~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft Or \fqa and rejoiced over\f*~Rezin
\q and the son of~Remaliah,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft \+xt Is 7:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 the Lord will certainly~bring against~them
\q the mighty rushing water of~the~Euphrates~River~—
\q the king of Assyria and~all~his~glory.
\q It will overflow its~channels
\q and spill over all~its~banks.
\q1
\v 8 It will pour into~Judah,
\q flood over it, and~sweep~through,
\q reaching up to~the~neck;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft \+xt Is 30:28\+xt*\f*
\q and its flooded banks~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft Lit \fqa its outspread wings\f*
\q will fill your entire land, Immanuel!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft \+xt Is 7:14; 8:10\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 9 Band together,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:9 \ft Or \fqa Raise the war cry,\ft or \fqa Be shattered\f* peoples, and~be~broken;
\q pay attention, all~you~distant~lands;
\q prepare for war, and~be~broken;
\q prepare for war, and~be~broken.
\q1
\v 10 Devise a plan; it~will~fail.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft \+xt Is 14:27\+xt*\f*
\q Make a prediction; it~will~not~happen.
\q For God is with~us.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft Hb \+tl Immanuel\+tl*\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft \+xt Is 8:8\+xt*\f*
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies, the Only Refuge
\m
\v 11 For this is what the \nd Lord\nd* said to me with great power, to keep~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 8:11 \ft DSS; MT reads \fqa instruct\f* me from going the way of this people:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:11 \ft \+xt Ezk 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 Do not call everything a~conspiracy
\q that these people say is a~conspiracy.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:12 \ft \+xt Is 7:2; 30:1\+xt*\f*
\q Do not fear what~they~fear;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:12 \ft \+xt 1Pt 3:14\+xt*\f*
\q do not be~terrified.
\q1
\v 13 You are to regard only~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies as~holy.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft \+xt Nm 20:12\+xt*\f*
\q Only he should be~feared;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft \+xt 1Pt 3:15\+xt*\f*
\q only he should be held in~awe.
\q1
\v 14 He will be a~sanctuary;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft \+xt Is 4:6; 25:4; Ezk 11:16\+xt*\f*
\q but for the two houses of~Israel,
\q he will be a stone~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft \+xt Ps 91:12; Is 26:4\+xt*\f* to~stumble~over
\q and a rock to~trip~over,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft \+xt Lk 2:34; Rm 9:33; 1Pt 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q and a trap and a snare to~the~inhabitants of~Jerusalem.
\q1
\v 15 Many will stumble over~these;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:15 \ft \+xt Is 28:13; 59:10; Lk 20:18; Rm 9:32\+xt*\f*
\q they will fall and~be~broken;
\q they will be snared and~captured.
\b
\q1
\v 16 Bind up the~testimony.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:16 \ft \+xt Is 8:1–2; 29:11–12\+xt*\f*
\q Seal up the instruction~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:16 \ft \+xt Dn 12:4\+xt*\f* among~my~disciples.
\q1
\v 17 I will wait for~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:17 \ft \+xt Ps 27:14; 33:20; 37:34; 130:5–6; Is 25:9; 30:18; Lm 3:26; Hab 2:3; 1Co 1:7; Php 3:20\+xt*\f*
\q who is hiding his~face from~the~house of~Jacob.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:17 \ft \+xt Dt 31:17; Is 1:15; 45:15; 54:8\+xt*\f*
\q I will wait for~him.
\b
\p
\v 18 Here I am with the children the \nd Lord\nd* has given me~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:18 \ft \+xt Heb 2:13\+xt*\f* to be signs and wonders in Israel from the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies who dwells on Mount Zion.
\v 19 When they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the spiritists who chirp and mutter,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:19 \ft \+xt Lv 20:6; 2Kg 21:6; 23:24; Is 19:3; 29:4; 47:12–13\+xt*\f* shouldn’t a people inquire of their God?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:19 \ft Or \fqa gods\f* Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:19 \ft \+xt 1Sm 28:8–11\+xt*\f*
\v 20 Go to God’s instruction and testimony!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:20 \ft \+xt Is 1:10; Lk 16:29\+xt*\f* If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them.
\p
\v 21 They will wander through the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged, and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God.
\v 22 They will look toward the earth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:22 \ft \+xt Is 5:30; 59:9; Jr 13:16; Am 5:18,20; Zph 1:14–15\+xt*\f* and see only distress, darkness, and the gloom of affliction, and they will be driven into thick darkness.
\c 9
\s1 Birth of the Prince of Peace
\m
\v 1 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:1 \ft \+xt Mt 4:15\+xt*\f* But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.
\q1
\v 2 The people walking in~darkness
\q have seen a~great~light;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:2 \ft \+xt Mt 4:16; Eph 5:8\+xt*\f*
\q a light has~dawned
\q on those living in~the~land of~darkness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:2 \ft \+xt Lk 1:79\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 You have enlarged the~nation
\q and increased its~joy.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 9:3 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa have not increased joy\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:3 \ft \+xt Is 26:15\+xt*\f*
\q The people have~rejoiced before~you
\q as they rejoice at~harvest~time
\q and as they rejoice when~dividing~spoils.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:3 \ft \+xt 1Sm 30:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 For you have shattered their~oppressive~yoke~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:4 \ft \+xt Is 10:27; 14:25\+xt*\f*
\q and the rod on~their~shoulders,
\q the staff of~their~oppressor,
\q just as you did on~the~day of~Midian.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:4 \ft \+xt Jdg 7:25; Is 10:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 For every trampling boot of~battle
\q and the bloodied garments of~war
\q will be burned as fuel for~the~fire.
\q1
\v 6 For a child will be born for~us,
\q a son will be given to~us,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:6 \ft \+xt Is 7:14; 11:1–2; 53:2; Lk 2:11; Jn 3:16\+xt*\f*
\q and the government will~be on~his~shoulders.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:6 \ft \+xt Is 22:22; Mt 28:18; 1Co 15:25\+xt*\f*
\q He will be~named
\q Wonderful Counselor,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:6 \ft \+xt Is 28:29\+xt*\f* Mighty~God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:6 \ft \+xt Dt 10:17; Neh 9:32; Is 10:21\+xt*\f*
\q Eternal Father,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:6 \ft \+xt Is 63:16; 64:8\+xt*\f* Prince~of~Peace.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:6 \ft \+xt Is 26:3,12; 54:10; 66:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 The dominion will be vast,
\q and its prosperity will never~end.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:7 \ft \+xt Ps 89:4; Dn 2:44; Lk 1:32–33\+xt*\f*
\q He will reign on the throne of~David
\q and over his kingdom,
\q to establish and~sustain~it
\q with justice and righteousness from~now~on and~forever.
\q The zeal of the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies will~accomplish~this.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:7 \ft \+xt Is 37:32; 59:17\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Hand Raised against Israel
\q1
\v 8 The Lord sent a message against~Jacob;
\q it came against~Israel.
\q1
\v 9 All the people~—
\q Ephraim and the inhabitants of~Samaria~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:9 \ft \+xt Ac 1:8\+xt*\f*~#—~#will~know~it.
\q They will say with~pride and~arrogance,
\q1
\v 10 “The bricks have~fallen,
\q but we will rebuild with~cut~stones;
\q the sycamores have been cut~down,
\q but we will replace them with~cedars.”
\q1
\v 11 The \nd Lord\nd* has raised up Rezin’s~adversaries against~him
\q and stirred up his~enemies.
\q1
\v 12 Aram from the east and~Philistia from~the~west
\q have consumed Israel with~open~mouths.
\q In all this, his anger has~not~turned away,
\q and his hand is still raised to~strike.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:12 \ft \+xt Is 5:25\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 13 The people did not turn to~him who~struck~them;
\q they did not seek the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\q1
\v 14 So the \nd Lord\nd* cut off Israel’s~head and~tail,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:14 \ft \+xt Is 19:15\+xt*\f*
\q palm branch and reed in~a~single~day.
\q1
\v 15 The head is the~elder, the~honored~one;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:15 \ft \+xt Is 3:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q the tail is the~prophet, the~one~teaching lies.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:15 \ft \+xt Is 28:15; 59:3–4; Jr 23:14,32; Mt 24:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 The leaders of~the~people mislead~them,
\q and those they mislead are~swallowed~up.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 9:16 \ft Or \fqa are confused\f*
\q1
\v 17 Therefore the Lord does not rejoice
\q over~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 9:17 \ft DSS read \fqa not spare\f* Israel’s~young~men
\q and has no~compassion
\q on its fatherless and~widows,
\q for everyone is a~godless~evildoer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:17 \ft \+xt Is 1:4; 10:6; 14:20; 31:2; 32:6\+xt*\f*
\q and every mouth speaks~folly.
\q In all this, his anger has~not~turned away,
\q and his hand is still raised to~strike.
\b
\q1
\v 18 For wickedness burns like~a~fire~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:18 \ft \+xt Ps 83:14; Is 1:7; Nah 1:10; Mal 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q that consumes thorns and~briers
\q and kindles the~forest~thickets
\q so that they go up in~a~column of~smoke.
\q1
\v 19 The land is~scorched
\q by the wrath of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies,
\q and the people are like~fuel for~the~fire.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:19 \ft \+xt Is 1:31; 24:6\+xt*\f*
\q No one has compassion on~his~brother.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:19 \ft \+xt Mc 7:2,6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 They carve meat on~the~right,
\q but they are still~hungry;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:20 \ft \+xt Is 8:21–22\+xt*\f*
\q they have eaten on~the~left,
\q but they are still~not~satisfied.
\q Each one eats the~flesh of~his~arm.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:20 \ft \+xt Dt 28:53–57; Is 49:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 Manasseh eats Ephraim,
\q and Ephraim, Manasseh;
\q together, both are against~Judah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:21 \ft \+xt 2Ch 28:6,8; Is 11:13\+xt*\f*
\q In all this, his anger has not~turned away,
\q and his hand is~still~raised to~strike.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 9:21 \ft \+xt Is 5:25\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 10
\q1
\v 1 Woe~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:1 \ft \+xt Is 5:8; 28:1; 29:1,15; 30:1; 31:1; 33:1; 45:9\+xt*\f* to those enacting crooked~statutes
\q and writing oppressive~laws
\q1
\v 2 to keep the poor from~getting a~fair~trial
\q and to deprive the~needy among~my~people of~justice,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:2 \ft \+xt Ps 35:10; Pr 22:22; Ec 5:8; Is 61:8; Jr 21:12; Ezk 18:12; 22:29\+xt*\f*
\q so that widows can be their~spoil
\q and they can plunder the~fatherless.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:2 \ft \+xt Ex 22:22; Dt 24:17; 27:19; Ps 68:5; 94:6; Is 1:17,23; Jr 22:3; Ezk 22:7; Zch 7:10; Mal 3:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 What will you do on~the~day of~punishment
\q when devastation comes from~far~away?
\q Who will you run to for~help?
\q Where will you leave your~wealth?
\q1
\v 4 There will be nothing~to~do
\q except crouch among~the~prisoners
\q or fall among~the~slain.
\q In all this, his anger has~not~turned away,
\q and his hand is~still~raised to~strike.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:4 \ft \+xt Is 5:25; 9:12,17,21\+xt*\f*
\s1 Assyria, the Instrument of Wrath
\q1
\v 5 Woe to Assyria, the~rod of~my~anger~—
\q the staff in their hands is my~wrath.
\q1
\v 6 I will send him against a~godless~nation;
\q I will command him to~go
\q against a people destined for~my~rage,
\q to take spoils, to~plunder,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:6 \ft \+xt 2Kg 21:14; Jr 49:32; Ezk 7:21; 26:12; 29:19\+xt*\f*
\q and to trample them down like~clay~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:6 \ft \+xt 2Sm 22:43; Ps 18:42; Ezk 26:11; Mc 7:10\+xt*\f* in~the~streets.
\q1
\v 7 But this is not what~he~intends;
\q this is not what~he~plans.
\q It is his intent to~destroy
\q and to cut off many~nations.
\q1
\v 8 For he says,
\q “Aren’t all my~commanders~kings?
\q1
\v 9 Isn’t Calno like~Carchemish?
\q Isn’t Hamath like~Arpad?
\q Isn’t Samaria~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:9 \ft \+xt Ac 1:8\+xt*\f* like~Damascus?~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 10:9 \ft Cities conquered by Assyria\f*
\q1
\v 10 As my hand seized the~kingdoms of worthless~images,
\q kingdoms whose idols exceeded those~of~Jerusalem and~Samaria,
\q1
\v 11 and as I did to~Samaria and~its~worthless images
\q will I not also do to~Jerusalem and~its~idols?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:11 \ft \+xt 2Kg 21:11; 23:24; 2Ch 15:8; 24:18\+xt*\f*
\s1 Judgment on Assyria
\m
\v 12 But when the Lord finishes all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 10:12 \ft LXX reads \fqa Jerusalem, he\f* will punish the king of Assyria for his arrogant acts and the proud look in his eyes.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:12 \ft \+xt Jr 50:31\+xt*\f*
\v 13 For he said:
\q I have done this by~my~own~strength
\q and wisdom, for~I~am~clever.
\q I abolished the~borders of~nations
\q and plundered their~treasures;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:13 \ft \+xt Jr 15:13; 17:3; 20:5\+xt*\f*
\q like a mighty warrior, I~subjugated the~inhabitants.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 10:13 \ft Or \fqa I brought down their kings\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:13 \ft \+xt 2Sm 22:48\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 My hand has reached out, as~if into~a~nest,
\q to seize the~wealth of~the~nations.
\q Like one gathering abandoned~eggs,
\q I gathered the~whole~earth.
\q No wing fluttered;
\q no beak opened or~chirped.
\b
\q1
\v 15 Does an ax exalt~itself
\q above the one who~chops with~it?
\q Does a saw magnify~itself
\q above the one who~saws with~it?
\q It would be like a~rod waving the~ones who~lift~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 10:15 \ft Some Hb mss; other Hb mss, Syr, Vg read \fqa the one who lifts\f*~it!
\q It would be like a~staff lifting~the~one who~isn’t~wood!
\q1
\v 16 Therefore the Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q will inflict an~emaciating~disease
\q on the well-fed of~Assyria,
\q and he will kindle a~burning~fire
\q under its glory.
\q1
\v 17 Israel’s Light will become a~fire,
\q and its Holy One, a~flame.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:17 \ft \+xt Is 4:5; 5:24; 47:14\+xt*\f*
\q In one day it will burn~and~consume Assyria’s~thorns and~thistles.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:17 \ft \+xt Gn 3:18; Is 5:6; 7:23–25; 9:18; 27:4; Hs 10:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 He will completely~destroy
\q the glory of~its~forests and~orchards
\q as a sickness consumes a~person.
\q1
\v 19 The remaining trees of~its~forest
\q will be so few in~number
\q that a child could~count~them.
\s1 The Remnant Will Return
\m
\v 20 On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on the one who struck them, but they will faithfully depend on the \nd Lord\nd*, the Holy One of Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:20 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 The remnant will~return, the~remnant of~Jacob,
\q to the Mighty God.
\q1
\v 22 Israel, even if your~people were as~numerous
\q as the sand of~the~sea,
\q only a remnant of~them will~return.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:22 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:30,31; Ezr 9:8,15; Is 11:11,16; 28:5; 37:31,32; 46:3; Jr 23:3; 31:7; Rm 9:27–28\+xt*\f*
\q Destruction has been decreed;
\q justice overflows.
\q1
\v 23 For throughout the~land
\q the Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q is carrying out a~destruction that~was~decreed.
\b
\p
\v 24 Therefore, the Lord \nd God\nd* of Armies says this: “My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear Assyria, though they strike you with a rod and raise their staff over you as the Egyptians did.
\v 25 In just a little while my wrath will be spent and my anger will turn to their destruction.”
\v 26 And the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies will brandish a whip against him as he did when he struck Midian at the rock of Oreb;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:26 \ft \+xt Jdg 7:25\+xt*\f* and he will raise his staff over the sea as he did in Egypt.
\s1 God Will Judge Assyria
\q1
\v 27 On that day
\q his burden will~fall from~your~shoulders,
\q and his yoke from~your~neck.
\q The yoke will~be~broken because~your~neck will be too large.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 10:27 \ft Lit \fqa because of fatness\ft ; Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 10:27 \ft \+xt Gn 27:40; Dt 28:48; Jr 28:10; 30:8; Lm 1:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 28 Assyria has come to~Aiath
\q and has gone through~Migron,
\q storing their equipment at~Michmash.
\q1
\v 29 They crossed over at~the~ford,~saying,
\q “We will spend the~night at~Geba.”
\q The people of Ramah are~trembling;
\q those at Gibeah of~Saul have~fled.
\q1
\v 30 Cry aloud, daughter of~Gallim!
\q Listen, Laishah!
\q Anathoth is~miserable.
\q1
\v 31 Madmenah has~fled.
\q The inhabitants of Gebim have~sought~refuge.
\q1
\v 32 Today the Assyrians will stand at~Nob,
\q shaking their fists at~the~mountain of~Daughter~Zion,
\q the hill of~Jerusalem.
\q1
\v 33 Look, the Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q will chop off the~branches with~terrifying~power,
\q and the tall trees will~be cut~down,
\q the high trees felled.
\q1
\v 34 He is clearing the thickets of~the~forest with~an~ax,
\q and Lebanon with~its~majesty will~fall.
\c 11
\s1 Reign of the Davidic King
\q1
\v 1 Then a shoot will grow from~the~stump of~Jesse,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:1 \ft \+xt Is 9:7; 11:10; Ac 13:23\+xt*\f*
\q and a branch~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:1 \ft \+xt Is 14:19; 60:21; Jr 23:5; 33:15; Dn 11:7; Zch 3:8; 6:12\+xt*\f* from~his~roots will~bear~fruit.
\q1
\v 2 The Spirit of the \nd Lord\nd* will~rest on~him~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:2 \ft \+xt Is 42:1; 48:16; 61:1; Mt 3:16; Jn 1:32\+xt*\f*~—
\q a Spirit of wisdom and~understanding,
\q a Spirit of counsel and~strength,
\q a Spirit of knowledge and~of~the~fear of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 3 His delight will be in~the~fear of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q He will not~judge
\q by what he~sees with~his~eyes,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:3 \ft \+xt Jn 2:25; 7:24\+xt*\f*
\q he will not~execute~justice
\q by what he hears with~his~ears,
\q1
\v 4 but he will judge the~poor~righteously~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:4 \ft \+xt Ps 72:2,13–14; Is 3:14\+xt*\f*
\q and execute justice for~the~oppressed of~the~land.
\q He will strike the~land
\q with a scepter~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 11:4 \ft Lit \fqa the rod\f* from~his~mouth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:4 \ft \+xt Ps 2:9; Is 49:2; Mal 4:6; Rv 1:16; 19:15\+xt*\f*
\q and he will kill the~wicked~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:4 \ft \+xt Gn 18:25; Ps 139:19; Ezk 3:18–19; 18:20–24; 33:8–15\+xt*\f*
\q with a~command~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 11:4 \ft Lit \fqa with the breath\f* from~his~lips.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:4 \ft \+xt Jb 4:9; Is 30:28,33; 2Th 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Righteousness will be a belt around~his~hips;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:5 \ft \+xt Eph 6:14\+xt*\f*
\q faithfulness will be a belt around~his~waist.
\q1
\v 6 The wolf will dwell with~the~lamb,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:6 \ft \+xt Is 65:25; Jr 5:6; Hs 2:18; 13:6–9\+xt*\f*
\q and the leopard will lie down with~the~goat.
\q The calf, the young lion, and~the~fattened calf will~be~together,
\q and a child will~lead~them.
\q1
\v 7 The cow and the bear will~graze,
\q their young ones will~lie~down~together,
\q and the lion will eat straw like~cattle.
\q1
\v 8 An infant will play beside~the~cobra’s~pit,
\q and a toddler will put his~hand into~a~snake’s~den.
\q1
\v 9 They will not harm or destroy~each other
\q on my entire holy mountain,
\q for the land will be as~full
\q of the knowledge of~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q as the sea is filled with~water.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:9 \ft \+xt Ps 98:2–3; Is 45:6; 52:10; 66:18–23; Hab 2:14\+xt*\f*
\s1 Israel Regathered
\q1
\v 10 On that day the~root of~Jesse~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:10 \ft \+xt Is 11:1\+xt*\f*
\q will stand as a banner for~the~peoples.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:10 \ft \+xt Is 49:22; 62:10; Jn 3:14–15; 12:32\+xt*\f*
\q The nations will look to him for guidance,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:10 \ft \+xt Rm 15:12; Rv 5:5\+xt*\f*
\q and his resting place will~be~glorious.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:10 \ft \+xt Is 14:3; 28:12; 32:17–18\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 11 On that day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:11 \ft \+xt Is 27:12\+xt*\f* the Lord will extend his hand a second time to recover the remnant of his people who survive~#—~#from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the coasts and islands of the west.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:11 \ft \+xt Is 10:20–22; 37:4,31–32; 46:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 He will lift up a~banner for~the~nations
\q and gather the~dispersed of~Israel;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:12 \ft \+xt Is 56:8; Zph 3:10; Zch 10:6\+xt*\f*
\q he will collect the~scattered of~Judah
\q from the four corners of~the~earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:12 \ft \+xt Rv 7:1; 20:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Ephraim’s envy will~cease;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:13 \ft \+xt Is 9:21; Jr 3:18; Ezk 37:16–17,22; Hs 1:11\+xt*\f*
\q Judah’s harassing will~end.
\q Ephraim will no longer be~envious of~Judah,
\q and Judah will not harass Ephraim.
\q1
\v 14 But they will swoop~down
\q on the Philistine flank to~the~west.
\q Together they will plunder the~people of~the~east.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:14 \ft \+xt Jr 49:28\+xt*\f*
\q They will extend their~power over~Edom and~Moab,
\q and the Ammonites will be their~subjects.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:14 \ft \+xt Ps 60:8; 83:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 The \nd Lord\nd* will divide~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 11:15 \ft Text emended; MT reads \fqa destroy\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 11:15 \ft Or \fqa dry up\f* the~Gulf of~Suez.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 11:15 \ft Lit \fqa the Sea of Egypt\f*
\q He will wave his hand over~the~Euphrates
\q with his mighty wind~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:15 \ft \+xt Is 7:20; 8:7; Rv 16:12\+xt*\f*
\q and will split it into~seven~streams,
\q letting people walk through on~foot.
\q1
\v 16 There will be a highway for~the~remnant of~his~people
\q who will survive from~Assyria,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:16 \ft \+xt Is 19:23; 35:8; 40:3; 62:10\+xt*\f*
\q as there was for~Israel
\q when they came up from~the~land of~Egypt.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 11:16 \ft \+xt Ex 14:26–29\+xt*\f*
\c 12
\s1 A Song of Praise
\q1
\v 1 On that day you~will~say:
\q “I will give thanks to you, \nd Lord\nd*,
\q although you were angry with~me.
\q Your anger has turned~away,
\q and you have comforted~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:1 \ft \+xt Is 40:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Indeed, God is my~salvation;
\q I will trust him and~not be~afraid,
\q for the \nd Lord\nd*, the~\nd Lord\nd*~himself,
\q is my strength and~my~song.
\q He has become my~salvation.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:2 \ft \+xt Ex 15:2; Ps 118:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 You will joyfully draw~water~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:3 \ft \+xt Jn 4:10; 7:37–38\+xt*\f*
\q from the springs of~salvation,
\q1
\v 4 and on that day you~will~say,
\q “Give thanks to the \nd Lord\nd*; proclaim~his~name!
\q Make his works known among~the~peoples.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:4 \ft \+xt 1Ch 16:8; Ps 105:1; 145:4\+xt*\f*
\q Declare that his name is~exalted.
\q1
\v 5 Sing to the \nd Lord\nd*, for~he~has~done glorious~things.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:5 \ft \+xt Ex 15:1; Ps 98:1; Is 24:14; 42:10–11; 44:23\+xt*\f*
\q Let this be known throughout~the~earth.
\q1
\v 6 Cry out and sing, citizen~of~Zion,
\q for the Holy One of Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 12:6 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f* is among~you
\q in his greatness.”
\c 13
\s1 A Pronouncement against Babylon
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:1 \ft \+xt Is 14:28; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1,11,13; 22:1; 23:1; 30:6\+xt*\f* concerning Babylon~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:19; 14:4; 47:1–15; Jr 24:1; 50:1–51:64; Mt 1:11; Rv 14:8\+xt*\f* that Isaiah son of Amoz saw:
\q1
\v 2 Lift up a banner on~a~barren~mountain.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:2 \ft \+xt Is 5:26; Jr 50:2\+xt*\f*
\q Call out to them.
\q Signal with your hand, and~they~will~go
\q through the gates of~the~nobles.
\q1
\v 3 I have commanded my~consecrated~ones;
\q yes, I have called my~warriors,
\q who celebrate my~triumph,
\q to execute my~wrath.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:3 \ft \+xt Ps 78:21,50; Ezk 5:15; 20:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Listen, a commotion on~the~mountains,
\q like that of a mighty people!
\q Listen, an uproar among~the~kingdoms,
\q like nations being gathered~together!
\q The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies is~mobilizing an~army for~war.
\q1
\v 5 They are coming from~a~distant~land,
\q from the farthest horizon~—
\q the \nd Lord\nd* and~the~weapons of~his~wrath~—
\q to destroy the~whole~country.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 13:5 \ft Or \fqa earth\f*
\b
\q1
\v 6 Wail! For the day of~the~\nd Lord\nd* is~near.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:6 \ft \+xt Is 2:12; 10:3; 13:9; 34:2,8; 61:2; Ezk 30:3; Am 5:18; Zph 1:7\+xt*\f*
\q It will come as~destruction from~the~Almighty.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:6 \ft \+xt Is 10:25; 14:23; Jl 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Therefore everyone’s hands will~become~weak,
\q and every man will~lose heart.
\q1
\v 8 They will be horrified;
\q pain and agony will~seize~them;
\q they will be in~anguish like~a~woman in~labor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:8 \ft \+xt Is 26:17; Jr 4:31; Jn 16:21\+xt*\f*
\q They will look at~each~other,
\q their faces flushed with~fear.
\q1
\v 9 Look, the day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:9 \ft \+xt Mt 25:13\+xt*\f* of~the~\nd Lord\nd* is~coming~—
\q cruel, with fury and~burning~anger~—
\q to make the earth a~desolation
\q and to destroy its~sinners.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:9 \ft \+xt Dt 32:43\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Indeed, the stars of~the~sky and~its~constellations~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 13:10 \ft Or \fqa Orions\f*
\q will not give their~light.
\q The sun will be dark when~it~rises,
\q and the moon will~not~shine.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:10 \ft \+xt Is 34:4; Mt 24:29; Mk 13:24–25; Lk 21:26; Rv 8:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 I will punish the~world for~its~evil,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:11 \ft \+xt Jr 23:2; 36:31; 44:29\+xt*\f*
\q and wicked people for~their~iniquities.
\q I will put an end to~the~pride of~the~arrogant~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:11 \ft \+xt Is 2:11; 23:9; Dn 5:22–23\+xt*\f*
\q and humiliate the~insolence of~tyrants.
\q1
\v 12 I will make a human more scarce than~fine gold,
\q and mankind more rare than~the~gold of~Ophir.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:12 \ft \+xt 1Kg 9:28; Jb 28:16; Ps 45:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Therefore I will make the~heavens~tremble,
\q and the earth will~shake from~its~foundations~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:13 \ft \+xt Ps 18:7; Is 2:19; 24:1,19–20; Hg 2:6\+xt*\f*
\q at the wrath of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies,
\q on the day of~his~burning~anger.
\q1
\v 14 Like wandering gazelles
\q and like sheep without~a~shepherd,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:14 \ft \+xt 1Kg 22:17; Mt 9:36; Mk 6:34; 1Pt 2:25\+xt*\f*
\q each one will turn to~his~own~people,
\q each one will flee to~his~own~land.
\q1
\v 15 Whoever is found will~be~stabbed,
\q and whoever is caught will~die by~the~sword.
\q1
\v 16 Their children will be dashed to~pieces before~their~eyes;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:16 \ft \+xt Ps 137:8–9; Is 13:18; 14:21; Hs 10:14; Nah 3:10\+xt*\f*
\q their houses will~be~looted,
\q and their wives raped.
\q1
\v 17 Look! I am stirring up the~Medes against~them,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:17 \ft \+xt Jr 51:11; Dn 5:28\+xt*\f*
\q who cannot be bought off with~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 13:17 \ft Lit \fqa who have no regard for\f*~silver
\q and who have no~desire for~gold.
\q1
\v 18 Their bows will cut young~men to~pieces.
\q They will have no~compassion on~offspring;
\q they will not look with~pity on~children.
\b
\q1
\v 19 And Babylon, the~jewel of~the~kingdoms,
\q the glory of the pride of~the~Chaldeans,
\q will be like Sodom and~Gomorrah
\q when God overthrew them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:19 \ft \+xt Gn 19:24; Jr 14:18; 50:40; Am 4:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 It will never~be~inhabited
\q or lived in from~generation to~generation;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:20 \ft \+xt Is 14:23; 34:10–15; Jr 51:37–43\+xt*\f*
\q a nomad will not pitch his~tent~there,
\q and shepherds will not let their~flocks rest~there.
\q1
\v 21 But desert creatures will~lie~down~there,
\q and owls will fill the~houses.
\q Ostriches will dwell~there,
\q and wild goats will~leap~about.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 13:21 \ft \+xt Is 34:11–15; Zph 2:14; Rv 18:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 Hyenas will howl in~the~fortresses,
\q and jackals, in~the~luxurious~palaces.
\q Babylon’s time is~almost~up;
\q her days are almost~over.
\c 14
\s1 Israel’s Return
\m
\v 1 For the \nd Lord\nd* will have compassion~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:1 \ft \+xt 1Kg 3:26\+xt*\f* on Jacob and will choose Israel again.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:1 \ft \+xt Dt 7:7; Ps 102:13; Zch 1:17\+xt*\f* He will settle them on their own land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:1 \ft \+xt Dt 12:10; 2Sm 7:1\+xt*\f* The resident alien will join them and be united with the house of Jacob.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:1 \ft \+xt Dt 14:21,29; Zch 8:22–23; Eph 2:12–14\+xt*\f*
\v 2 The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess them as male and female slaves in the \nd Lord\nd*’s land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:2 \ft \+xt Is 9:7; 45:14–25; 49:22–26; 60:9; 61:5; 66:19–24\+xt*\f* They will make captives of their captors and will rule over their oppressors.
\s1 Downfall of the King of Babylon
\m
\v 3 When the \nd Lord\nd* gives you rest from your pain,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:3 \ft \+xt Gn 3:16; Is 14:3; Jr 44:19\+xt*\f* torment, and the hard labor~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:3 \ft \+xt Ex 1:14\+xt*\f* you were forced to do,
\v 4 you will sing this song of contempt about the king of Babylon~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:4 \ft \+xt Mc 2:4; Hab 2:6\+xt*\f* and say:
\q How the oppressor has~quieted~down,
\q and how the raging~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 14:4 \ft DSS; Hb uncertain\f* has~become~quiet!
\q1
\v 5 The \nd Lord\nd* has broken the~staff of~the~wicked,
\q the scepter of~the~rulers.
\q1
\v 6 It struck the peoples in~anger
\q with unceasing blows.
\q It subdued the~nations in~rage
\q with relentless persecution.
\q1
\v 7 The whole earth is~calm and~at~rest;
\q people shout with~a~ringing~cry.
\q1
\v 8 Even the cypresses and~the~cedars of~Lebanon
\q rejoice over you:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:8 \ft \+xt Ps 104:16; Is 55:12; Ezk 31:16\+xt*\f*
\q “Since you have been laid~low,
\q no lumberjack has come against~us.”
\b
\q1
\v 9 Sheol below is~eager to~greet your~coming,
\q stirring up the~spirits of~the~departed for~you~—
\q all the rulers~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 14:9 \ft Lit \fqa rams\f* of~the~earth~—
\q making all~the~kings of~the~nations
\q rise from their thrones.
\q1
\v 10 They all respond to~you,~saying,
\q “You too have become as~weak as~we~are;
\q you have become like~us!
\q1
\v 11 Your splendor has been brought~down to~Sheol,
\q along with the~music of~your~harps.
\q Maggots are spread out under~you,
\q and worms cover you.”
\b
\q1
\v 12 Shining morning star,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 14:12 \ft Or \fqa Day Star, son of the dawn\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:12 \ft \+xt 2Pt 1:19; Rv 2:28; 22:16\+xt*\f*
\q how you have fallen from~the~heavens!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:12 \ft \+xt Is 34:4; Lk 10:18; Rv 8:10; 9:1\+xt*\f*
\q You destroyer of~nations,
\q you have been cut down to~the~ground.
\q1
\v 13 You said to yourself,
\q “I will ascend to~the~heavens;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:13 \ft \+xt Jr 51:53; Ezk 28:2; Am 9:2\+xt*\f*
\q I will set up my~throne
\q above the stars of~God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:13 \ft \+xt Dn 5:22–23; 8:10; 2Th 2:4\+xt*\f*
\q I will sit on~the~mount of~the~gods’~assembly,
\q in the remotest parts of~the~North.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 14:13 \ft Or \fqa of Zaphon\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:13 \ft \+xt Ps 48:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 I will ascend above the~highest~clouds;
\q I will make myself like~the~Most~High.”
\q1
\v 15 But you will be brought~down to~Sheol
\q into the deepest regions of~the~Pit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:15 \ft \+xt Ps 28:1; Is 38:18; Ezk 28:8; Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 16 Those who see you will~stare at~you;
\q they will look closely at~you:
\q “Is this the man who~caused the~earth to~tremble,
\q who shook the~kingdoms,
\q1
\v 17 who turned the~world into~a~wilderness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:17 \ft \+xt Jl 1:19–20; 2:3,22; 3:19\+xt*\f*
\q who destroyed its~cities
\q and would not release the~prisoners to~return~home?~”
\q1
\v 18 All the kings of~the~nations
\q lie in splendor, each~in~his~own~tomb.
\q1
\v 19 But you are thrown out without~a~grave,
\q like a worthless branch,
\q covered by those slain with~the~sword
\q and dumped into~a~rocky~pit like~a~trampled~corpse.
\q1
\v 20 You will not join them in~burial,
\q because you destroyed your~land
\q and slaughtered your~own~people.
\q The offspring of~evildoers
\q will never be mentioned again.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:20 \ft \+xt Jb 18:16,19; Ps 21:10; 37:28; Is 1:4; 31:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 Prepare a place of slaughter for~his~sons,
\q because of the iniquity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:21 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* of~their~ancestors.
\q They will never rise up to~possess a~land
\q or fill the surface of~the~earth with~cities.
\b
\p
\v 22 “I will rise up against them”~#—~#this is the~declaration of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of Armies~#—~#“and I will cut off from Babylon her reputation, remnant, offspring, and posterity”~#—~#this is the \nd Lord\nd*’s declaration.
\v 23 “I will make her a swampland and a region for herons,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 14:23 \ft Or \fqa hedgehogs\ft ; Hb obscure\f* and I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction.”
\pr This~is the~declaration of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\s1 Assyria Will Be Destroyed
\m
\v 24 The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies has sworn:
\q As I have purposed, so~it~will~be;
\q as I have planned it, so~it~will~happen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:24 \ft \+xt Pr 16:4; Is 46:11; Jr 23:20; 30:24; 51:29; Zch 1:6; Eph 1:11; Rv 17:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 25 I will break Assyria~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:25 \ft \+xt Is 8:7; 10:5–15,27\+xt*\f* in~my~land;
\q I will tread him down on~my~mountain.
\q Then his yoke will~be~taken from~them,
\q and his burden will~be~removed from~their~shoulders.
\q1
\v 26 This is the plan~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:26 \ft \+xt Is 5:19\+xt*\f* prepared
\q for the whole earth,
\q and this is the hand stretched~out
\q against all the nations.
\q1
\v 27 The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies himself has~planned~it;
\q therefore, who can stand in~its~way?
\q It is his hand that~is~outstretched,
\q so who can turn~it~back?
\s1 A Pronouncement against Philistia
\m
\v 28 In the year that King Ahaz died,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:28 \ft \+xt 2Kg 16:20; 2Ch 28:27; Is 6:1\+xt*\f* this pronouncement came:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:28 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 29 Don’t rejoice, all~of~you in~Philistia,
\q because the rod of~the~one who~struck~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:29 \ft \+xt 1Sm 17:50; 18:25–30; 19:8; 23:1–5; 2Sm 5:17–25; 8:1\+xt*\f* is~broken.
\q For a viper will come from~the~root~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 14:29 \ft Or \fqa stock\f* of~a~snake,
\q and from its egg comes a~flying~serpent.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:29 \ft \+xt Ex 4:2–3; 7:10–12; Is 30:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 30 Then the firstborn~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:30 \ft \+xt Ex 4:22\+xt*\f* of~the~poor will~be well~fed,
\q and the impoverished will~lie~down in~safety,
\q but I will kill your root with~hunger,
\q and your remnant will~be~slain.
\q1
\v 31 Wail, you gates!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:31 \ft \+xt Is 3:26; 24:12; 45:2\+xt*\f* Cry~out,~city!
\q Tremble with fear,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:31 \ft \+xt Jos 2:9,24\+xt*\f* all~Philistia!
\q For a cloud of dust is~coming from~the~north,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:31 \ft \+xt Is 41:25; Jr 1:13–14; 4:6; 6:1; 47:2; 50:3,9,41\+xt*\f*
\q and there is no one missing from the~invader’s~ranks.
\q1
\v 32 What answer will be given to~the~messengers from~that~nation?
\q The \nd Lord\nd* has founded~Zion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 14:32 \ft \+xt Ps 87:1,5; 102:16; Is 28:16; 44:28; 54:11\+xt*\f*
\q and his oppressed people find~refuge in~her.
\c 15
\s1 A Pronouncement against Moab
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement concerning Moab:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:1–7 \ft \+xt Gn 19:31–37; Is 11:14; 25:10; Jr 48:1–38; Ezk 25:8–11; Am 2:1–3; Zph 2:8–9\+xt*\f*
\q Ar in Moab is~devastated,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:1 \ft \+xt Nm 21:28\+xt*\f*
\q destroyed in~a~night.
\q Kir in Moab is~devastated,
\q destroyed in~a~night.
\q1
\v 2 Dibon went up to~its~temple
\q to weep at its high places.
\q Moab wails on Nebo and~at~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 15:2 \ft Or \fqa wails over Nebo and over\f*~Medeba.
\q Every head is~shaved;
\q every beard is~chopped~short.
\q1
\v 3 In its streets they~wear~sackcloth;
\q on its rooftops and~in~its~public~squares everyone~wails,
\q falling down and~weeping.
\q1
\v 4 Heshbon and Elealeh cry~out;
\q their voices are heard as~far~away as~Jahaz.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:4 \ft \+xt Nm 21:28; 32:3; Jr 48:34\+xt*\f*
\q Therefore the soldiers of~Moab cry~out,
\q and they tremble.
\q1
\v 5 My heart cries out over~Moab,
\q whose fugitives flee as~far~as~Zoar,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:5 \ft \+xt Gn 19:21–22\+xt*\f*
\q to Eglath-shelishiyah;
\q they go up the~Ascent of~Luhith~weeping;
\q they raise a~cry of~destruction
\q on the road to~Horonaim.
\q1
\v 6 The Waters of Nimrim~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:6 \ft \+xt Nm 32:3,36; Jos 13:27\+xt*\f* are~desolate;
\q the grass is withered, the~foliage is~gone,
\q and the vegetation has~vanished.
\q1
\v 7 So they carry their~wealth and~belongings
\q over the Wadi of~the~Willows.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:7 \ft \+xt Is 30:6; Jr 48:36\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 For their cry echoes
\q throughout the territory of~Moab.
\q Their wailing reaches~Eglaim;
\q their wailing reaches~Beer-elim.
\q1
\v 9 The Waters of~Dibon~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 15:9 \ft DSS, some LXX mss, Vg; MT reads \fqa Dimon\ft , twice in this v.\f* are~full of~blood,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:9 \ft \+xt 2Kg 3:22–23\+xt*\f*
\q but I will bring on~Dibon even~more than~this~—
\q a lion for those who~escape from~Moab,
\q and for the survivors in~the~land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 15:9 \ft \+xt 2Sm 23:20; 1Ch 11:22\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 16
\q1
\v 1 Send lambs to~the~ruler of~the~land,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 3:4\+xt*\f*
\q from Sela in~the~desert~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 14:7; Is 42:11\+xt*\f*
\q to the mountain of~Daughter~Zion.
\q1
\v 2 Like a bird fleeing,
\q forced from~the~nest,
\q the daughters of~Moab
\q will be at~the~fords of~the~Arnon.
\b
\q1
\v 3 Give us counsel and~make a~decision.
\q Shelter us at~noonday
\q with shade that is as~dark as~night.
\q Hide the refugees;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:3 \ft \+xt 1Kg 18:4\+xt*\f*
\q do not betray the~one who~flees.
\q1
\v 4 Let my refugees stay with~you;
\q be a refuge for Moab~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 16:4 \ft Or \fqa you; Moab~#—~#be a refuge for him\f* from~the~aggressor.
\b
\q When the oppressor has~gone,
\q destruction has~ended,
\q and marauders have~vanished from~the~land,
\q1
\v 5 a throne will~be~established in~love,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:5 \ft \+xt Is 9:6–7; 32:1; 55:4; Dn 7:14; Mc 4:7; Lk 1:33\+xt*\f*
\q and one will sit on it faithfully~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 16:5 \ft Or \fqa continually\f*
\q in the tent of David,
\q judging and pursuing what is right,
\q quick to execute justice.
\b
\q1
\v 6 We have heard of~Moab’s~pride~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:6 \ft \+xt Jr 48:29; Am 2:1; Ob 3–4; Zph 2:8,10\+xt*\f*~—
\q how very proud he is~—
\q his haughtiness, his~pride, his~arrogance,
\q and his empty boasting.
\q1
\v 7 Therefore let Moab wail;
\q let every one of them wail for~Moab.
\q You who are completely~devastated, mourn
\q for the raisin cakes~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:7 \ft \+xt 2Sm 6:19; 1Ch 16:3; Sg 2:5; Hs 3:1\+xt*\f* of~Kir-hareseth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:7 \ft \+xt 2Kg 3:25; Jr 48:31\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 For Heshbon’s terraced vineyards
\q and the grapevines of~Sibmah have~withered.
\q The rulers of~the~nations
\q have trampled its~choice~vines
\q that reached as~far~as~Jazer~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:8 \ft \+xt Nm 21:32; Jos 13:25\+xt*\f*
\q and spread to~the~desert.
\q Their shoots spread~out
\q and reached the~sea.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:8 \ft \+xt Jr 48:32\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 So I join with~Jazer
\q to weep for the~vines of~Sibmah;
\q I drench Heshbon and~Elealeh with~my~tears.
\q Triumphant shouts have~fallen~silent~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 16:9 \ft Or \fqa Battle cries have fallen\f*
\q over your summer fruit and~your~harvest.
\q1
\v 10 Joy and rejoicing~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:10 \ft \+xt Is 24:8; Jr 48:33\+xt*\f* have~been~removed from~the~orchard;
\q no one is singing or~shouting for~joy in~the~vineyards.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:10 \ft \+xt Jdg 9:27; Is 24:7; Am 5:11,17\+xt*\f*
\q No one tramples grapes~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 16:10 \ft Lit \fqa wine\f* in~the~winepresses.
\q I have put an end to~the~shouting.
\q1
\v 11 Therefore I moan like the~sound~of a~lyre for~Moab,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:11 \ft \+xt Is 15:5; 63:15; Jr 48:36; Hs 11:8; Php 2:1\+xt*\f*
\q as does my innermost being for~Kir-heres.
\q1
\v 12 When Moab appears
\q and tires himself~out on the~high~place~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:12 \ft \+xt 1Kg 18:29\+xt*\f*
\q and comes to his sanctuary to~pray,
\q it will do him no~good.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:12 \ft \+xt Is 15:2\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 13 This is the message that the \nd Lord\nd* previously announced about Moab.
\v 14 And now the \nd Lord\nd* says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts years,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 16:14 \ft \+xt Jb 7:1; 14:6; Is 21:16\+xt*\f* Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, in spite of a very large population. And those who are left will be few and weak.”
\c 17
\s1 A Pronouncement against Damascus
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f* concerning Damascus:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:1 \ft \+xt Gn 14:15; 15:2; 2Kg 16:9; Jr 49:23; Am 1:3–5; Zch 9:1; Ac 9:2\+xt*\f*
\q Look, Damascus is no~longer a~city.
\q It has become a~ruined~heap.
\q1
\v 2 The cities of Aroer are~abandoned;
\q they will be places for~flocks.
\q They will lie down without~fear.
\q1
\v 3 The fortress disappears from~Ephraim,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:3 \ft \+xt Is 7:8,16; 8:4\+xt*\f*
\q and a kingdom from~Damascus.
\q The remnant of Aram will~be
\q like the splendor of~the~Israelites.
\qm This~is the~declaration of~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\s1 Judgment against Israel
\q1
\v 4 On that day
\q the splendor of Jacob will~fade,
\q and his healthy body~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 17:4 \ft Lit \fqa and the fat of his flesh\f* will~become~emaciated.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:4 \ft \+xt Is 10:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 It will be as if a reaper had~gathered standing~grain~—
\q his arm harvesting the~heads of~grain~—
\q and as if one had gleaned heads of~grain
\q in Rephaim Valley.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:5 \ft \+xt 2Sm 5:18,22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Only gleanings will~be~left in~Israel,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:6 \ft \+xt Dt 4:27; Is 24:13; 27:12; Ob 5; Rm 11:19\+xt*\f*
\q as if an olive tree had~been~beaten~—
\q two or three olives at~the~very~top of~the~tree,
\q four or five on~its~fruitful~branches.
\qm This~is the~declaration of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\qm the~God of~Israel.
\b
\p
\v 7 On that day people will look to their Maker and will turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:7 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*
\v 8 They will not look to the altars~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:8 \ft \+xt 2Ch 34:7; Is 27:9\+xt*\f* they made with their hands or to the Asherahs and shrines~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 17:8 \ft Or \fqa incense altars\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:8 \ft \+xt Ex 34:13; Dt 7:5; Mc 5:14\+xt*\f* they made with their fingers.
\q1
\v 9 On that day their strong cities will~be
\q like the abandoned woods and~mountaintops
\q that were abandoned because~of the~Israelites;
\q there will be desolation.
\q1
\v 10 For you have forgotten the~God of~your~salvation,
\q and you have failed to~remember
\q the rock of~your~strength;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:10 \ft \+xt Dt 6:12; 8:11,14,19; 32:18; Jdg 3:7; 1Sm 12:9; Ps 106:21; Is 8:14; 26:4; 51:13; Jr 3:21; 13:25; Ezk 22:12; 23:35; Hs 2:13\+xt*\f*
\q therefore you will plant beautiful~plants
\q and set out cuttings from~exotic~vines.
\q1
\v 11 On the day that~you~plant,
\q you will help them to~grow,
\q and in the morning
\q you will help your~seed to~sprout,
\q but the harvest will~vanish
\q on the day of~disease and~incurable~pain.
\s1 Judgment against the Nations
\q1
\v 12 Ah! The roar of~many~peoples~—
\q they roar like~the~roaring of~the~seas.
\q The raging of~the~nations~—
\q they rage like~the~rumble of~rushing~water.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:12 \ft \+xt Ps 2:1; 93:1–5; Is 8:9–10; Lk 21:25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 The nations rage like~the~rumble of~a huge~torrent.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:13 \ft \+xt Is 33:3\+xt*\f*
\q He rebukes them, and~they~flee far~away,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:13 \ft \+xt Ps 9:5; Is 41:11\+xt*\f*
\q driven before the wind like~chaff on~the~hills~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 17:13 \ft \+xt Jb 21:18; Ps 1:4; 83:13; Is 29:5; 41:15–16\+xt*\f*
\q and like tumbleweeds before~a~gale.
\q1
\v 14 In the evening~#—~#sudden~terror!
\q Before morning~#—~#it~is~gone!
\q This is the fate of~those who~plunder~us
\q and the lot of those who~ravage~us.
\c 18
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*’s Message to Cush
\q1
\v 1 Woe to the land of~buzzing~insect~wings~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 18:1 \ft Or \fqa of sailing ships\f*
\q beyond the rivers of~Cush,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 18:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:9; Is 20:3–5; Ezk 30:4–5,9; Zph 2:12; 3:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 which sends envoys by~sea,
\q in reed vessels over~the~water.
\b
\q Go, swift messengers,
\q to a nation tall and~smooth-skinned,
\q to a people feared far~and~near,
\q a powerful nation with~a~strange~language,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 18:2 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q whose land is~divided by~rivers.
\q1
\v 3 All you inhabitants of~the~world
\q and you who live on~the~earth,
\q when a banner is~raised on~the~mountains,~look!
\q When a~ram’s~horn sounds, listen!
\b
\p
\v 4 For the \nd Lord\nd* said to me:
\q I will quietly look out from~my~place,
\q like shimmering heat in~sunshine,
\q like a rain cloud in~harvest~heat.
\q1
\v 5 For before the harvest, when~the~blossoming is~over
\q and the blossom becomes a~ripening~grape,
\q he will cut off the~shoots with~a~pruning~knife,
\q and tear away and~remove the~branches.
\q1
\v 6 They will all be left for~the~birds of~prey on~the~hills
\q and for the wild animals of~the~land.
\q The birds of prey will spend the~summer feeding on~them,
\q and all the wild animals the~winter.
\b
\p
\v 7 At that time a gift will be brought to the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies from~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 18:7 \ft DSS, LXX, Vg; MT omits \fqa from\f* a people tall and smooth-skinned,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 18:7 \ft \+xt Ps 68:31; Is 45:14; Zph 3:10; Ac 8:27–38\+xt*\f* a people feared far and near, a powerful nation with a strange language, whose land is divided by rivers~#—~#to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies.
\c 19
\s1 A Pronouncement against Egypt
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f* concerning Egypt:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:1 \ft \+xt Jr 46:13–26; Ezk 29:1–31:2; 31:18–32:32; Jl 3:19\+xt*\f*
\q Look, the \nd Lord\nd* rides on~a~swift~cloud~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:1 \ft \+xt Ps 18:9–10; 104:3; Mt 26:64; Rv 1:7\+xt*\f*
\q and is coming to~Egypt.
\q Egypt’s worthless~idols will~tremble before~him,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:1 \ft \+xt Ex 12:12; Jr 43:12; 44:8\+xt*\f*
\q and Egypt will~lose heart.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:1 \ft \+xt Jos 2:11; Is 13:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 I will provoke Egyptians against~Egyptians;
\q each will fight against~his~brother~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:2 \ft \+xt Mk 13:12\+xt*\f*
\q and each against~his~friend,
\q city against city, kingdom~against~kingdom.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:2 \ft \+xt Jdg 7:22; 1Sm 14:20; 2Ch 20:23; Mt 10:21,36; Mk 13:8; Lk 21:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 Egypt’s spirit will be disturbed within~it,
\q and I will frustrate its~plans.
\q Then they will inquire of worthless~idols, ghosts,
\q mediums, and~spiritists.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:3 \ft \+xt 1Ch 10:13; Is 8:19; Dn 2:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 I will hand over Egypt to~harsh~masters,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:4 \ft \+xt Is 20:4; Jr 46:26; Ezk 29:19\+xt*\f*
\q and a strong king will~rule~it.
\qm This~is the~declaration of~the~Lord~\nd God\nd* of~Armies.
\b
\q1
\v 5 The water of the sea will~dry~up,
\q and the river will~be~parched and~dry.
\q1
\v 6 The channels will~stink;
\q they will dwindle, and~Egypt’s~canals will~be~parched.
\q Reed and rush will~wilt.
\q1
\v 7 The reeds by the Nile, by~the~mouth of~the~river,
\q and all the cultivated areas of~the~Nile
\q will wither, blow away, and~vanish.
\q1
\v 8 Then the fishermen will~mourn.
\q All those who cast hooks into~the~Nile will~lament,
\q and those who spread nets on~the~water will~give~up.
\q1
\v 9 Those who work with~flax will~be~dismayed;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:9 \ft \+xt Pr 7:16; Ezk 27:7\+xt*\f*
\q those combing it and weaving linen will~turn~pale.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 19:9 \ft DSS, Tg; MT reads \fqa weavers of white cloth\f*
\q1
\v 10 Egypt’s weavers~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 19:10 \ft Or \fqa foundations\f* will~be~dejected;
\q all her wage earners will~be~demoralized.
\b
\q1
\v 11 The princes of Zoan are~complete~fools;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:11 \ft \+xt Nm 13:22; Ps 78:12,43; Is 30:4\+xt*\f*
\q Pharaoh’s wisest advisers give~stupid~advice!
\q How can you say to~Pharaoh,
\q “I am one~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 19:11 \ft Lit \fqa a son\f* of~the~wise,
\q a student of~eastern~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 19:11 \ft Lit \fqa a son of ancient\f*~kings”?
\q1
\v 12 Where then are your~wise~men?
\q Let them tell you and~reveal
\q what the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies has~planned against~Egypt.
\q1
\v 13 The princes of Zoan have~been~fools;
\q the princes of Memphis are~deceived.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:13 \ft \+xt Jr 2:16; 46:14,19; Ezk 30:13\+xt*\f*
\q Her tribal chieftains have~led Egypt~astray.
\q1
\v 14 The \nd Lord\nd* has mixed within~her a~spirit of~confusion.
\q The leaders have made Egypt stagger in~all~she~does,
\q as a drunkard staggers in~his~vomit.
\q1
\v 15 No head or tail, palm~or~reed,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:15 \ft \+xt Is 9:14–16\+xt*\f*
\q will be able to do anything for~Egypt.
\s1 Egypt Will Know the \nd Lord\nd*
\m
\v 16 On that day Egypt will be like women and will tremble with fear because of the threatening hand of the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies when he raises it against them.
\v 17 The land of Judah will terrify Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble because of what the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies has planned~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:17 \ft \+xt Is 5:19\+xt*\f* against it.
\p
\v 18 On that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear loyalty to the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies. One of the cities will be called the City of the Sun.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 19:18 \ft Some Hb mss, DSS, Sym, Tg, Vg, Arabic; other Hb mss read \fqa of Destruction\ft ; LXX reads \fqa of Righteousness\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 19:18 \ft = the ancient Egyptian city Heliopolis\f*
\p
\v 19 On that day there will be an altar to the \nd Lord\nd* in the center of the land of Egypt and a pillar to the \nd Lord\nd* near her border.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:19 \ft \+xt Gn 28:18; Ex 24:4; Jos 22:10,26–27\+xt*\f*
\v 20 It will be a sign and witness to the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the \nd Lord\nd* because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and leader, and he will rescue them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:20 \ft \+xt Jdg 3:9,15; 6:7; 10:10\+xt*\f*
\v 21 The \nd Lord\nd* will make himself known to Egypt, and Egypt will know the \nd Lord\nd* on that day. They will offer sacrifices and offerings;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:21 \ft \+xt Is 56:7; 60:7; Zch 14:16–18\+xt*\f* they will make vows to the \nd Lord\nd* and fulfill them.
\v 22 The \nd Lord\nd* will strike Egypt, striking and healing. Then they will turn to the \nd Lord\nd*, and he will be receptive to their prayers and heal them.
\p
\v 23 On that day there will be a highway~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:23 \ft \+xt Is 11:16; 35:8; 49:11; 62:10\+xt*\f* from Egypt to Assyria. Assyria will go to Egypt, Egypt to Assyria, and Egypt will worship with Assyria.
\p
\v 24 On that day Israel will form a triple alliance with Egypt and Assyria~#—~#a blessing within the land.
\v 25 The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies will bless them, saying, “Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:25 \ft \+xt Ps 100:3; Is 29:23; 45:11; 60:21; 64:8; Eph 2:10\+xt*\f* and Israel my inheritance are blessed.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 19:25 \ft \+xt Dt 9:26,29; 32:9; Ps 28:9; Is 47:6; 63:17\+xt*\f*
\c 20
\s1 No Help from Cush or Egypt
\m
\v 1 In the year that the chief commander,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:17\+xt*\f* sent by King Sargon of Assyria, came to Ashdod~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:1 \ft \+xt 1Sm 5:1\+xt*\f* and attacked and captured it~#—~#
\v 2 during that time the \nd Lord\nd* had spoken through Isaiah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:2 \ft \+xt Mt 3:3; 12:17\+xt*\f* son of Amoz, saying, “Go, take off your sackcloth from your waist and remove the sandals from your feet,” and he did that, going stripped and barefoot~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:2 \ft \+xt 1Sm 19:24; Mc 1:8\+xt*\f*~#—~#
\v 3 the \nd Lord\nd* said, “As my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:3 \ft \+xt Is 8:18\+xt*\f*
\v 4 so the king of Assyria will lead the captives of Egypt~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:4 \ft \+xt Is 19:4\+xt*\f* and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, stripped and barefoot, with bared buttocks~#—~#to Egypt’s shame.
\v 5 Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 20:5 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:21; Is 30:3–5; 31:1; Ezk 29:6–7\+xt*\f*
\v 6 And the inhabitants of this coastland will say on that day, ‘Look, this is what has happened to those we relied on and fled to for help to rescue us from the king of Assyria! Now, how will we escape?~’~”
\c 21
\s1 A Judgment on Babylon
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f* concerning the desert by the sea:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:20–22; 14:23; 21:9; Jr 51:41–44\+xt*\f*
\q Like storms that pass over~the~Negev,
\q it comes from the desert, from~the~land of~terror.
\q1
\v 2 A troubling vision is~declared to~me:
\q “The treacherous one acts~treacherously,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:2 \ft \+xt Is 24:16; 33:1\+xt*\f*
\q and the destroyer destroys.
\q Advance, Elam! Lay~siege, you~Medes!
\q I will put an end to~all the~groaning.”
\b
\q1
\v 3 Therefore I am~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 21:3 \ft Lit \fqa my waist is\ft , or \fqa my insides are\f* filled with~anguish.
\q Pain grips me, like~the~pain of~a~woman in~labor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:3 \ft \+xt Ps 48:6; Is 13:8; 16:11; 26:17–18; Jr 4:31; 6:24; 22:23; 30:6; 50:43; Mc 4:9–10; 1Th 5:3\+xt*\f*
\q I am too perplexed to~hear,
\q too dismayed to~see.
\q1
\v 4 My heart staggers;
\q horror terrifies me.
\q He has turned my~last~glimmer of~hope~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 21:4 \ft Lit \fqa my twilight\f*
\q into sheer terror.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:4 \ft \+xt Dt 28:67\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Prepare a table,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:5 \ft \+xt Jr 51:39,57; Dn 5:1–4\+xt*\f* and~spread~out a~carpet!
\q Eat and drink!
\q Rise up, you princes, and~oil the~shields!
\b
\q1
\v 6 For the Lord has said to~me,
\q “Go, post a~lookout;
\q let him report what~he~sees.
\q1
\v 7 When he sees riders~—
\q pairs of~horsemen,
\q riders on~donkeys,
\q riders on~camels~—
\q he must pay close attention.”
\q1
\v 8 Then the lookout~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 21:8 \ft DSS, Syr; MT reads \fqa Then a lion\f* reported,
\q “Lord, I stand on~the~watchtower all~day,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:8 \ft \+xt Hab 2:1\+xt*\f*
\q and I stay at~my~post all~night.
\q1
\v 9 Look, riders come~—
\q horsemen in~pairs.”
\q And he answered, saying,
\q “Babylon has fallen,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:9 \ft \+xt 2Sm 1:19; Is 3:8; 14:12; Jr 51:8; Ezk 32:22; Rv 14:8; 18:2\+xt*\f* has~fallen.
\q All the images of~her~gods
\q have been shattered on~the~ground.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:9 \ft \+xt Is 46:1; Jr 50:2; 51:44\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 10 My people who have been~crushed
\q on the threshing~floor,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:10 \ft \+xt Jr 51:33; Mc 4:13\+xt*\f*
\q I have declared to~you
\q what I have heard from~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies,
\q the God of~Israel.
\s1 A Pronouncement against Dumah
\m
\v 11 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:11 \ft \+xt Is 21:1\+xt*\f* concerning Dumah:~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 21:11 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX read \fqa Edom\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:11 \ft \+xt Gn 25:14\+xt*\f*
\q One calls to me from~Seir,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:11 \ft \+xt Dt 2:8; Ezk 35:2\+xt*\f*
\q “Watchman, what is left of~the~night?
\q Watchman, what is left of~the~night?~”
\q1
\v 12 The watchman said,
\q “Morning has come, and~also~night.
\q If you want to ask, ask!
\q Come back again.”
\s1 A Pronouncement against Arabia
\m
\v 13 A pronouncement concerning Arabia:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:13 \ft \+xt Jr 25:23–24; 49:28\+xt*\f*
\q In the desert~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 21:13 \ft LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read \fqa desert at evening\f*~brush
\q you will camp for~the~night,
\q you caravans of~Dedanites.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:13 \ft \+xt Gn 10:7; Jr 25:23; 49:8; Ezk 27:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 Bring water for~the~thirsty.
\q The inhabitants of~the~land of~Tema~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:14 \ft \+xt Gn 25:15; Jb 6:19\+xt*\f*
\q meet~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 21:14 \ft LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read \fqa meet \ft as a command\f* the refugees with~food.
\q1
\v 15 For they have fled from~swords,
\q from the drawn sword,
\q from the bow that~is~strung,
\q and from the stress of~battle.
\b
\p
\v 16 For the Lord said this to me: “Within one year,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:16 \ft \+xt Is 16:14\+xt*\f* as a hired worker counts years, all the glory of Kedar~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 21:16 \ft \+xt Ps 120:5; Sg 1:5; Is 42:11; 60:7; Jr 2:10; Ezk 27:21\+xt*\f* will be gone.
\v 17 The remaining Kedarite archers will be few in number.” For the \nd Lord\nd*, the God of Israel, has spoken.
\c 22
\s1 A Pronouncement against Jerusalem
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f* concerning the Valley of Vision:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:1 \ft \+xt Ps 125:2; Jr 21:13; Jl 3:12,14\+xt*\f*
\q What’s the matter with~you?
\q Why have all of you gone~up to~the~rooftops?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:1 \ft \+xt Is 15:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 The noisy city, the~jubilant~town,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:2 \ft \+xt Is 23:7; 32:13\+xt*\f*
\q is filled with~celebration.
\q Your dead did not die by~the~sword;
\q they were not killed in~battle.
\q1
\v 3 All your rulers have~fled~together,
\q captured without~a~bow.
\q All your fugitives were~captured~together;
\q they had fled far~away.
\q1
\v 4 Therefore I said,
\q “Look away from me! Let~me~weep~bitterly!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:4 \ft \+xt Is 15:3; 33:7; Jr 9:1; Zch 12:10\+xt*\f*
\q Do not try to~comfort~me
\q about the destruction of~my~dear~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 22:4 \ft Lit \fqa of the daughter of my\f*~people.”
\q1
\v 5 For the Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q had a day of tumult, trampling, and~confusion~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:5 \ft \+xt Is 10:6; 37:3; 63:3\+xt*\f*
\q in the Valley of~Vision~—
\q people shouting~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 22:5 \ft Or \fqa Vision~#—~#a tearing down of a wall\ft , or \fqa Vision~#—~#Kir raged\ft ; Hb obscure\f* and~crying to~the~mountains;
\q1
\v 6 Elam took up a~quiver
\q with chariots and~horsemen,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 22:6 \ft Lit \fqa chariots of man\f*
\q and Kir~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:6 \ft \+xt 2Kg 16:9; Am 1:5; 9:7\+xt*\f* uncovered the~shield.
\q1
\v 7 Your best valleys were~full of~chariots,
\q and horsemen were~positioned at~the~city gates.
\q1
\v 8 He removed the~defenses of~Judah.
\b
\p On that day you looked to the weapons in the House of the Forest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:8 \ft \+xt 1Kg 7:2; 10:17\+xt*\f*
\v 9 You saw that there were many breaches in the walls of the city of David.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:9 \ft \+xt Lk 2:4\+xt*\f* You collected water from the lower pool.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:9 \ft \+xt 2Kg 20:20; Neh 3:16\+xt*\f*
\v 10 You counted the houses of Jerusalem so that you could tear them down to fortify the wall.
\v 11 You made a reservoir between the walls~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:11 \ft \+xt 2Kg 25:4; Jr 39:4\+xt*\f* for the water of the ancient pool,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:11 \ft \+xt 2Kg 20:20; 2Ch 32:3–4\+xt*\f* but you did not look to the one who made it, or consider the one who created it long ago.
\q1
\v 12 On that day the Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q called for weeping,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:12 \ft \+xt Is 32:11; Jl 1:13; 2:17\+xt*\f* for~wailing, for~shaven~heads,
\q and for the wearing of~sackcloth.
\q1
\v 13 But look: joy and~gladness,
\q butchering of cattle, slaughtering~of~sheep and goats,
\q eating of meat, and~drinking of~wine~—
\q “Let’s eat and~drink, for~tomorrow we~die!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:13 \ft \+xt Is 56:12; 1Co 15:32\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies has directly~revealed to~me:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:14 \ft \+xt Is 5:9\+xt*\f*
\q “This iniquity will~not~be wiped~out for you people as long as you live.”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 22:14 \ft Lit \fqa for you until you die\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:14 \ft \+xt 1Sm 3:14; Ezk 24:13\+xt*\f*
\q The Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies has~spoken.
\s1 A Pronouncement against Shebna
\m
\v 15 The Lord \nd God\nd* of Armies said, “Go to Shebna,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:15 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:18,26,37; Is 36:3,11,22; 37:2\+xt*\f* that steward who is in charge of the palace, and say to him:
\v 16 What are you doing here? Who authorized you to carve out a tomb for yourself here, carving your tomb on the height and cutting a resting place for yourself out of rock?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:16 \ft \+xt 2Sm 18:18; 2Ch 16:14; Mt 27:60\+xt*\f*
\v 17 Look, you strong man! The \nd Lord\nd* is about to shake you violently. He will take hold of you,
\v 18 wind you up into a ball, and sling you into a wide land.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 22:17–18 \ft Hb obscure\f* There you will die, and there your glorious chariots will be~#—~#a disgrace to the house of your lord.
\v 19 I will remove you from your office; you will be ousted from your position.
\p
\v 20 “On that day I will call for my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:20 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:18; Is 36:3,22; 37:2\+xt*\f*
\v 21 I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will hand your authority over to him, and he will be like a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:21 \ft \+xt Gn 45:8; Jb 29:16\+xt*\f*
\v 22 I will place the key~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:22 \ft \+xt Mt 16:19; Rv 3:7\+xt*\f* of the house of David on his shoulder; what he opens, no one can close; what he closes, no one can open.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 22:22 \ft \+xt Jb 12:14\+xt*\f*
\v 23 I will drive him, like a peg, into a firm place. He will be a throne of honor for his father’s family.
\v 24 They will hang on him all the glory of his father’s family: the descendants and the offshoots~#—~#all the small vessels, from bowls to every kind of jar.
\v 25 On that day”~#—~#the declaration of the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies~#—~#“the peg that was driven into a firm place will give way, be cut off, and fall, and the load on it will be destroyed.” Indeed, the \nd Lord\nd* has spoken.
\c 23
\s1 A Pronouncement against Tyre
\m
\v 1 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f* concerning Tyre:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:1 \ft \+xt Jos 19:29; 1Kg 5:1; Jr 25:22; 47:4; Ezk 26:1–27:36; Jl 3:4–8; Am 1:9; Zch 9:2–4\+xt*\f*
\q Wail, ships of~Tarshish,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:1 \ft \+xt Gn 10:4; 1Kg 10:22\+xt*\f*
\q for your haven has~been~destroyed.
\q Word has reached them from~the~land of~Cyprus.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 23:1 \ft Hb \+tl Kittim\+tl*\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:1 \ft \+xt Jr 2:10; Ezk 27:6; Ac 11:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Mourn, inhabitants of~the~coastland,
\q you merchants of~Sidon;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:2 \ft \+xt Gn 10:15; Jos 19:28; Jr 25:22; 27:3; Ezk 27:8; 32:30; Jl 3:4; Zch 9:2\+xt*\f*
\q your agents have~crossed the~sea~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 23:2 \ft DSS; MT reads \fqa Sidon, whom the seafarers have filled\f*
\q1
\v 3 over deep water.
\q Tyre’s revenue was the~grain from~Shihor~—
\q the harvest of~the~Nile.
\q She was the merchant among~the~nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:3 \ft \+xt Ezk 27:3–23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Be ashamed, Sidon, the~stronghold of~the~sea,
\q for the sea has~spoken:
\q “I have not been in~labor or~given~birth.
\q I have not raised young~men
\q or brought up young~women.”
\q1
\v 5 When the news reaches Egypt,
\q they will be in anguish over~the~news about~Tyre.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:5 \ft \+xt Ac 21:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Cross over to~Tarshish;
\q wail, inhabitants of~the~coastland!
\q1
\v 7 Is this your~jubilant~city,
\q whose origin was in~ancient~times,
\q whose feet have~taken~her
\q to reside far away?
\q1
\v 8 Who planned this against~Tyre,
\q the bestower of~crowns,
\q whose traders are~princes,
\q whose merchants are the~honored~ones of~the~earth?
\q1
\v 9 The \nd Lord\nd* of Armies planned~it,
\q to desecrate all its~glorious~beauty,
\q to disgrace all the~honored~ones of~the~earth.
\q1
\v 10 Overflow~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 23:10 \ft DSS, LXX read \fqa Work\f* your land like~the~Nile, daughter~of~Tarshish;
\q there is no longer anything to~restrain~you.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 23:10 \ft Or \fqa longer any harbor\f*
\q1
\v 11 He stretched out his~hand over~the~sea;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:11 \ft \+xt Ex 14:21; Is 14:26\+xt*\f*
\q he made kingdoms tremble.
\q The \nd Lord\nd* has commanded
\q that the Canaanite fortresses be~destroyed.
\q1
\v 12 He said,
\q “You will not celebrate anymore,
\q ravished young woman, daughter~of~Sidon.
\q Get up and cross over to~Cyprus~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:12 \ft \+xt Is 23:1; Jr 2:10; Ezk 27:6; Ac 4:36; 11:19–20; 13:4; 15:39; 21:3,16; 27:4\+xt*\f*~—
\q even there you will have no~rest!~”
\q1
\v 13 Look at the land of~the~Chaldeans~—
\q a people who no~longer~exist.
\q Assyria destined it for~desert~creatures.
\q They set up their~siege~towers
\q and stripped its~palaces.
\q They made it a~ruin.
\q1
\v 14 Wail, ships of~Tarshish,
\q because your fortress is~destroyed!
\b
\p
\v 15 On that day Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years~#—~#the life span of one king. At the end of seventy years, what the song says about the prostitute will happen to Tyre:
\q1
\v 16 Pick up your lyre,
\q stroll through the city,
\q you forgotten prostitute.
\q Play skillfully,
\q sing many a song
\q so that you will be remembered.
\b
\p
\v 17 And at the end of the seventy years,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:17 \ft \+xt Jr 25:11,22\+xt*\f* the \nd Lord\nd* will restore Tyre~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 23:17 \ft \+xt Ac 21:7\+xt*\f* and she will go back into business, prostituting herself with all the kingdoms of the world throughout the earth.
\v 18 But her profits and wages will be dedicated to the \nd Lord\nd*. They will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live in the \nd Lord\nd*’s presence, to provide them with ample food and sacred clothing.
\c 24
\s1 The Earth Judged
\q1
\v 1 Look, the \nd Lord\nd* is~stripping the~earth~bare
\q and making it desolate.
\q He will twist its surface and~scatter its~inhabitants:
\q1
\v 2 people and priest alike,
\q servant and~master,
\q female servant and~mistress,
\q buyer and~seller,
\q lender and~borrower,
\q creditor and~debtor.
\q1
\v 3 The earth will be stripped completely~bare
\q and will be totally~plundered,
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* has spoken this~message.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:3 \ft \+xt Is 1:20; 6:11\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 4 The earth mourns and~withers;
\q the world wastes away and~withers;
\q the exalted people of~the~earth waste~away.
\q1
\v 5 The earth is polluted by~its~inhabitants,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:5 \ft \+xt Gn 3:17; 6:5,11–12; Nm 35:33; Is 9:17; 10:6\+xt*\f*
\q for they have transgressed teachings,
\q overstepped decrees,
\q and broken the~permanent~covenant.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:5 \ft \+xt Gn 9:16; 17:7; Ex 31:16; Lv 24:8; 2Sm 23:5; Ps 105:10; Is 55:3; 61:8; Jr 32:40; Ezk 16:60\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Therefore a curse has~consumed the~earth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:6 \ft \+xt Jos 23:15; Is 34:5; 43:28; Zch 5:3–4\+xt*\f*
\q and its inhabitants have~become~guilty;
\q the earth’s inhabitants have~been~burned,
\q and only a~few~survive.
\q1
\v 7 The new wine mourns;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:7 \ft \+xt Is 16:10; Jl 1:10,12\+xt*\f*
\q the vine withers.
\q All the carousers now~groan.
\q1
\v 8 The joyful tambourines~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:8 \ft \+xt Ex 15:20; Jdg 11:34; 1Sm 18:6; Is 30:32; Jr 31:4\+xt*\f* have~ceased.
\q The noise of~the~jubilant has~stopped.
\q The joyful lyre has~ceased.
\q1
\v 9 They no longer sing and~drink~wine;
\q beer is bitter to~those who~drink~it.
\q1
\v 10 The city of~chaos is~shattered;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:10 \ft \+xt Is 34:11\+xt*\f*
\q every house is~closed to~entry.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:10 \ft \+xt Is 23:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 In the streets they~cry~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 24:11 \ft Lit \fqa streets she cries\f* for~wine.
\q All joy grows dark;
\q earth’s rejoicing goes into~exile.
\q1
\v 12 Only desolation remains in~the~city;
\q its gate has collapsed in~ruins.
\q1
\v 13 For this is how it~will~be on~earth
\q among the nations:
\q like a harvested olive~tree,
\q like a gleaning after a~grape~harvest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:13 \ft \+xt Is 17:6\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 14 They raise their voices, they~sing~out;
\q they proclaim in the west
\q the~majesty of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 15 Therefore, in the east honor~the~\nd Lord\nd*!
\q In the coasts and islands of~the~west
\q honor the~name of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q the God of~Israel.
\q1
\v 16 From the ends of~the~earth we~hear~songs:
\q The Splendor of~the~Righteous~One.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:16 \ft \+xt Ex 9:27; Pr 21:12; Ac 3:14; 7:52; 22:14\+xt*\f*
\b
\q But I said, “I~waste~away! I~waste~away!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 24:16 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q Woe is me.”
\q The treacherous act~treacherously;
\q the treacherous deal very~treacherously.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:16 \ft \+xt Is 21:2; 33:1; Jr 3:20; 5:11\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 17 Panic, pit, and trap await~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:17 \ft \+xt Am 5:19\+xt*\f*
\q who dwell on~the~earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:17–18 \ft \+xt Jr 48:43–44\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 Whoever flees at~the~sound of~panic
\q will fall into~a~pit,
\q and whoever escapes from~the~pit
\q will be caught in~a~trap.
\q For the floodgates on~high are~opened,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:18 \ft \+xt Gn 7:11\+xt*\f*
\q and the foundations of~the~earth are~shaken.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:18 \ft \+xt Ps 18:7; 46:2; Is 2:19,21; 13:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 The earth is completely~devastated;
\q the earth is split~open;
\q the earth is violently~shaken.
\q1
\v 20 The earth staggers like~a~drunkard~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:20 \ft \+xt Is 19:14\+xt*\f*
\q and sways like~a~hut.
\q Earth’s rebellion weighs~it~down,
\q and it falls, never~to~rise~again.
\b
\q1
\v 21 On that day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:21 \ft \+xt Is 27:12\+xt*\f* the~\nd Lord\nd* will~punish
\q the army of~the~heights in the heights
\q and the kings of~the~ground on the ground.
\q1
\v 22 They will be gathered~together
\q like prisoners in~a~pit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:22 \ft \+xt Rv 20:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q They will be confined to~a~dungeon;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:22 \ft \+xt Rv 20:2\+xt*\f*
\q after many days they~will~be~punished.
\q1
\v 23 The moon will~be put~to~shame
\q and the sun disgraced,
\q because the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies will~reign as~king
\q on Mount Zion in~Jerusalem,
\q and he will display~his~glory
\q in the presence of~his~elders.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 24:23 \ft \+xt Is 2:2–4; 1Co 15:54\+xt*\f*
\c 25
\s1 Salvation and Judgment on That Day
\q1
\v 1 \nd Lord\nd*, you are my~God;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:1 \ft \+xt Ex 15:2; Ps 118:28; Is 7:13; 44:17\+xt*\f*
\q I will exalt you. I~will~praise your~name,
\q for you have accomplished wonders,
\q plans formed long~ago, with~perfect~faithfulness.
\q1
\v 2 For you have turned the~city into~a~pile of~rocks,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:2 \ft \+xt Is 17:1; 26:5\+xt*\f*
\q a fortified city, into~ruins;
\q the fortress of barbarians~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:2 \ft \+xt Col 3:11\+xt*\f* is no~longer a~city;
\q it will never be~rebuilt.
\q1
\v 3 Therefore, a strong people will~honor~you.
\q The cities of violent nations will~fear~you.
\q1
\v 4 For you have been a~stronghold for~the~poor person,
\q a stronghold for~the~needy~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:4 \ft \+xt Mt 11:29\+xt*\f* in~his~distress,
\q a refuge from storms and a~shade from~heat.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:4 \ft \+xt Is 4:6; 32:2\+xt*\f*
\q When the breath of~the~violent
\q is like a storm against~a~wall,
\q1
\v 5 like heat in a~dry~land,
\q you will subdue the~uproar of~barbarians.
\q As the shade of~a~cloud cools the~heat of~the~day,
\q so he will silence the~song of~the~violent.
\b
\q1
\v 6 On~this~mountain,~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 25:6 \ft = Mount Zion\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:6 \ft \+xt Is 2:2–4\+xt*\f*
\q the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies will~prepare for all the peoples a feast of choice meat,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:6 \ft \+xt Is 24:23; Rv 19:9\+xt*\f*
\q a feast with aged wine, prime~cuts of choice meat,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 25:6 \ft Lit \fqa wine, fat full of marrow\f* fine~vintage~wine.
\q1
\v 7 On this mountain
\q he will swallow~up the~burial~shroud,
\q the shroud over all~the~peoples,
\q the sheet covering all~the~nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:7 \ft \+xt 2Co 3:15–16; Eph 4:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 When he has swallowed~up death once~and~for~all,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:8 \ft \+xt Hs 13:14; 1Co 15:54; Rv 21:4\+xt*\f*
\q the Lord \nd God\nd* will wipe away the~tears
\q from every face~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:8 \ft \+xt Is 30:19; 35:10; 51:11; 65:19; Rv 7:17; 21:4\+xt*\f*
\q and remove his~people’s~disgrace~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:8 \ft \+xt Ps 89:50–51; Is 51:7; 54:4; Mt 5:11; 1Pt 4:14\+xt*\f*
\q from the whole earth,
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* has spoken.
\b
\q1
\v 9 On that day it~will~be~said,
\q “Look, this is our~God;
\q we have waited for him, and~he~has saved~us.
\q This is the \nd Lord\nd*; we~have~waited for~him.
\q Let’s rejoice and be glad in~his~salvation.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:9 \ft \+xt Is 35:1–2,10; 66:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 For the \nd Lord\nd*’s power will~rest on~this~mountain.
\b
\q But Moab~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:10 \ft \+xt Nm 24:17; Is 15:1\+xt*\f* will be trampled in~his~place~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 25:10 \ft Or \fqa trampled under him\f*
\q as straw is trampled in~a~dung~pile.
\q1
\v 11 He will spread out his arms in~the~middle of~it,
\q as a swimmer spreads out his~arms to~swim.
\q His pride will be brought~low,
\q along with the trickery of~his~hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:11 \ft \+xt Is 2:10–12,15–17; 16:6,14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 The high-walled fortress will~be~brought~down,
\q thrown to the ground, to~the~dust.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 25:10–12 \ft \+xt Is 26:5–6\+xt*\f*
\c 26
\s1 The Song of Judah
\m
\v 1 On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
\q We have a~strong~city.
\q Salvation is established as~walls and~ramparts.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:1 \ft \+xt Is 60:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Open the gates
\q so a righteous nation can~come~in~—
\q one that remains faithful.
\q1
\v 3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on~you
\q in~perfect~peace,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:3 \ft \+xt Is 26:12; 27:5; 57:19; 66:12\+xt*\f*
\q for it is trusting in~you.
\q1
\v 4 Trust in the \nd Lord\nd* forever,
\q because in the \nd Lord\nd*, the~\nd Lord\nd*~himself, is an~everlasting~rock!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:4 \ft \+xt Ps 73:26; Is 17:10; 30:29; 44:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 For he has humbled those~who~live in~lofty~places~—
\q an inaccessible city.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:5–6 \ft \+xt Is 25:10–12\+xt*\f*
\q He brings it down; he~brings~it~down to~the~ground;
\q he throws it to~the~dust.
\q1
\v 6 Feet trample it,
\q the feet of~the~humble,
\q the steps of~the~poor.
\s1 God’s People Vindicated
\q1
\v 7 The path of the righteous is~level;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:7 \ft \+xt Ps 27:11\+xt*\f*
\q you clear a straight path for~the~righteous.
\q1
\v 8 Yes, \nd Lord\nd*, we wait for~you
\q in the path of~your~judgments.
\q Our desire is for~your~name and~renown.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:8 \ft \+xt Ex 3:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 I long for you in~the~night;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:9 \ft \+xt Ps 77:2; 84:2; 119:20,81\+xt*\f*
\q yes, my spirit within~me diligently~seeks~you,
\q for when your judgments are in~the~land,
\q the inhabitants of~the~world will~learn~righteousness.
\q1
\v 10 But if the wicked man is shown~favor,
\q he does not learn~righteousness.
\q In a righteous land he~acts~unjustly
\q and does not see the~majesty of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\b
\q1
\v 11 \nd Lord\nd*, your hand is lifted~up to~take~action,
\q but they do not see it.
\q Let them see your~zeal for~your~people
\q and be put~to~shame.
\q Let fire consume your adversaries.
\q1
\v 12 \nd Lord\nd*, you will establish peace for~us,
\q for you have also done all~our~work for~us.
\q1
\v 13 \nd Lord\nd* our God, lords other than~you have~owned~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 26:13 \ft Or \fqa married\f*~us,
\q but we remember your~name~alone.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:13 \ft \+xt Jn 10:25\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 14 The dead do not live;
\q departed spirits do not rise~up.
\q Indeed, you have punished and~destroyed~them;
\q you have wiped out all~memory of~them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:14 \ft \+xt Jb 18:17; Ps 9:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 You have added to~the~nation,~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:15 \ft \+xt Is 9:3\+xt*\f*
\q You have added to the nation; you~are~honored.
\q You have expanded all~the~borders of~the~land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:15 \ft \+xt Is 33:17; 54:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 \nd Lord\nd*, they went to~you in~their~distress;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:16 \ft \+xt Is 37:3; Hs 5:15\+xt*\f*
\q they poured out whispered~prayers
\q because your discipline fell on~them.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 26:16 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q1
\v 17 As a pregnant woman about~to~give~birth
\q writhes and cries out in~her~pains,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:17 \ft \+xt Is 13:8\+xt*\f*
\q so we were before~you,~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 18 We became pregnant, we~writhed in~pain;
\q we gave birth to~wind.
\q We have won no~victories on~earth,
\q and the earth’s inhabitants have~not~fallen.
\b
\q1
\v 19 Your dead will live; their~bodies~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 26:19 \ft Lit \fqa live; my body they\f* will~rise.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:19 \ft \+xt Is 25:8; Ezk 37:1–14; Dn 12:2; Hs 13:14; Mt 11:5; Lk 7:22; Jn 8:51\+xt*\f*
\q Awake and sing, you who dwell in~the~dust!
\q For you will be covered with~the~morning~dew,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 26:19 \ft Lit \fqa For your dew is a dew of lights\f*
\q and the earth will bring out the~departed~spirits.
\b
\q1
\v 20 Go, my people, enter~your~rooms
\q and close your doors behind~you.
\q Hide for a little while until~the~wrath has~passed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:20 \ft \+xt Is 10:5,25; 13:5; 34:2; 66:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 For look, the \nd Lord\nd* is coming from~his~place~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:21 \ft \+xt Mc 1:3\+xt*\f*
\q to punish the inhabitants of~the~earth for~their~iniquity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 26:21 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\q The earth will reveal the~blood shed on~it
\q and will no longer conceal her~slain.
\c 27
\s1 Leviathan Slain
\m
\v 1 On that day the \nd Lord\nd* with his relentless, large, strong sword will bring judgment on Leviathan,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:1 \ft \+xt Jb 3:8; 41:1,34; Ps 74:14; 104:26\+xt*\f* the fleeing serpent~#—~#Leviathan, the twisting serpent. He will slay the monster that is in the sea.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:1 \ft \+xt Is 51:9\+xt*\f*
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*’s Vineyard
\q1
\v 2 On that day
\q sing about a~desirable~vineyard:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:2 \ft \+xt Ps 80:8; Is 5:7; Jr 2:21\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 I am the \nd Lord\nd*, who watches~over~it
\q to water it regularly.
\q So that no one disturbs~it,
\q I watch over it night~and~day.
\q1
\v 4 I am not angry.
\q If only there were thorns and~briers~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:4 \ft \+xt 2Sm 23:6; Is 10:17\+xt*\f* for~me to battle,
\q I would trample~them
\q and burn them to~the~ground.
\q1
\v 5 Or let it take~hold of~my~strength;
\q let it make peace with~me~—
\q make peace with~me.
\q1
\v 6 In days to come, Jacob~will~take~root.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:6 \ft \+xt Is 37:31\+xt*\f*
\q Israel will blossom and~bloom~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:6 \ft \+xt Is 35:1–2; Hs 14:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q and fill the whole world with~fruit.
\b
\q1
\v 7 Did the \nd Lord\nd* strike~Israel
\q as he struck the~one who~struck~Israel?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:7 \ft \+xt Is 10:12,17; 30:31–33; 31:8–9; 37:36–38\+xt*\f*
\q Was Israel killed like~those killed by~the \nd Lord\nd*?
\q1
\v 8 You disputed with~Israel
\q by banishing and driving her away.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 27:8 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q He removed her with~his~severe~storm
\q on the day of~the~east~wind.
\q1
\v 9 Therefore Jacob’s iniquity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:9 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* will~be~atoned for in~this~way,
\q and the result of~the~removal of~his~sin will~be~this:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:9 \ft \+xt Rm 11:27\+xt*\f*
\q when he makes all the~altar~stones
\q like crushed bits of~chalk,
\q no Asherah poles or~incense~altars will~remain~standing.
\q1
\v 10 For the fortified city will~be~desolate,
\q pastures deserted and~abandoned like~a~wilderness.
\q Calves will graze there,
\q and there they will spread out and~strip its~branches.
\q1
\v 11 When its branches dry~out, they~will~be broken~off.
\q Women will come and~make~fires with~them,
\q for they are not a~people with~understanding.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:11 \ft \+xt Ps 32:9; 49:20; Jr 4:22\+xt*\f*
\q Therefore their Maker~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:11 \ft \+xt Jb 4:17; Ps 95:6; Pr 14:31; Is 17:7; 29:16; 44:2; 45:9,11; 51:13; 54:5; Hs 8:14\+xt*\f* will~not have~compassion on~them,
\q and their Creator will~not be~gracious to~them.
\b
\q1
\v 12 On that day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:12 \ft \+xt Is 3:18; 7:18,20; 11:11; 24:21; Zch 12:8\+xt*\f*
\q the \nd Lord\nd* will thresh grain from~the~Euphrates~River
\q as far as the Wadi of~Egypt,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:12 \ft \+xt Gn 15:18\+xt*\f*
\q and you Israelites will~be~gathered one~by~one.
\q1
\v 13 On that day
\q a great ram’s~horn~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 27:13 \ft \+xt Lv 25:9; 1Ch 15:24; Mt 24:31; 1Th 4:16; Rv 11:15\+xt*\f* will~be~blown,
\q and those lost in~the~land of~Assyria will~come,
\q as well as those dispersed in~the~land of~Egypt;
\q and they will worship the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q at Jerusalem on~the~holy~mountain.
\c 28
\s1 Woe to Samaria
\q1
\v 1 Woe to the majestic crown of~Ephraim’s~drunkards,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:1 \ft \+xt Is 28:7; Hs 7:5\+xt*\f*
\q and to the fading flower of~its~beautiful~splendor,
\q which is on the summit above the~rich~valley.
\q Woe to those overcome with~wine.
\q1
\v 2 Look, the Lord has a strong and~mighty~one~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:2 \ft \+xt Is 8:7; 40:10\+xt*\f*~—
\q like a devastating hail~storm,
\q like a storm with strong flooding~water.
\q He will bring it across~the~land with~his~hand.
\q1
\v 3 The majestic crown of~Ephraim’s~drunkards
\q will be trampled underfoot.
\q1
\v 4 The fading flower of~his~beautiful~splendor,
\q which is on the summit above~the~rich~valley,
\q will be like a ripe fig before~the~summer~harvest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:4 \ft \+xt Hs 9:10; Mc 7:1; Nah 3:12\+xt*\f*
\q Whoever sees it will~swallow~it
\q while it is still in~his~hand.
\q1
\v 5 On that day
\q the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies will~become a~crown of~beauty
\q and a diadem of~splendor~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:5 \ft \+xt Is 62:3\+xt*\f*
\q to the remnant of~his~people,
\q1
\v 6 a spirit of justice
\q to the one who~sits in~judgment,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:6 \ft \+xt 1Kg 3:28; Is 11:2; 32:1,15–16; Jn 5:30\+xt*\f*
\q and strength
\q to those who repel attacks at~the~city gate.
\b
\q1
\v 7 Even these stagger because~of~wine
\q and stumble under~the~influence of~beer:
\q Priest and prophet stagger because~of~beer.
\q They are confused by~wine.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:7 \ft \+xt Is 5:11,22; 9:15; 22:13; 56:12; Hs 4:11\+xt*\f*
\q They stumble because~of~beer.
\q They are muddled in~their~visions.
\q They stumble in~their~judgments.
\q1
\v 8 Indeed, all their tables are~covered with~vomit;
\q there is no place without~a~stench.
\q1
\v 9 Who is he trying~to~teach?
\q Who is he trying~to~instruct?
\q Infants~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 28:9 \ft Lit \fqa Those\f* just weaned from~milk?
\q Babies~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 28:9 \ft Lit \fqa Those\f* removed from~the~breast?
\q1
\v 10 “Law~after~law, law~after~law,
\q line after line, line~after~line,
\q a little here, a~little~there.”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 28:10 \ft Hb obscure, also in v.~13\f*
\q1
\v 11 For he will speak to~this~people
\q with stammering speech
\q and in a~foreign~language.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:11–12 \ft \+xt Is 5:26–29; 33:19; 1Co 14:21\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 He had said to~them,
\q “This is the place of~rest;
\q let the weary rest;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:12 \ft \+xt Is 11:10; 30:15; 32:17–18; Jr 6:16; Mt 11:28–29\+xt*\f*
\q this is the place of~repose.”
\q But they would not~listen.
\b
\q1
\v 13 The word of~the~\nd Lord\nd* will come to~them:
\q “Law after law, law~after~law,
\q line after line, line~after~line,
\q a little here, a~little~there,”
\q so they go stumbling~backward,
\q to be broken, trapped, and~captured.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:13 \ft \+xt Is 8:15; Mt 21:44\+xt*\f*
\s1 A Deal with Death
\q1
\v 14 Therefore hear the word of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:14 \ft \+xt Is 1:10; 39:5,8; 66:5\+xt*\f* you~scoffers~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:14 \ft \+xt Is 29:20\+xt*\f*
\q who rule this~people in~Jerusalem.
\q1
\v 15 For you said, “We~have~made a~covenant with~Death,
\q and we have an~agreement with~Sheol;
\q when the overwhelming catastrophe~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 28:15 \ft Or \fqa whip\ft ; Hb obscure, also in v.~18\f* passes~through,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:15 \ft \+xt Is 8:7–8\+xt*\f*
\q it will not touch us,
\q because we have made~falsehood our~refuge
\q and have hidden behind~treachery.”
\q1
\v 16 Therefore the Lord \nd God\nd* said:
\q “Look, I have laid a~stone~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:16 \ft \+xt Is 8:14; 26:4\+xt*\f* in~Zion,
\q a tested stone,
\q a precious cornerstone, a~sure~foundation;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:16 \ft \+xt Mt 21:42; Mk 12:10; Lk 20:17; Ac 4:11; 1Co 3:11; Eph 2:20\+xt*\f*
\q the one who believes will~be~unshakable.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 28:16 \ft Lit \fqa will not hurry\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:16 \ft \+xt Rm 9:33; 1Pt 2:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 And I will make justice the~measuring~line
\q and righteousness the~mason’s~level.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:17 \ft \+xt 2Kg 21:13; Is 5:16; 30:18; 61:8; Am 7:7–9\+xt*\f*
\q Hail will sweep away the~false~refuge,
\q and water will flood your~hiding~place.
\q1
\v 18 Your covenant with Death will~be~dissolved,
\q and your agreement with~Sheol will~not~last.
\q When the overwhelming catastrophe passes~through,
\q you will be~trampled.
\q1
\v 19 Every time it passes~through,
\q it will carry you away;
\q it will pass through every~morning~—
\q every day and~every~night.
\q Only terror~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:19 \ft \+xt 2Ch 29:8; Jr 15:4; 24:9; 29:18\+xt*\f* will cause you
\q to understand the~message.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 28:19 \ft Or \fqa The understanding of the message will cause sheer terror\f*
\q1
\v 20 Indeed, the bed is too~short to~stretch~out~on,
\q and its cover too small to~wrap~up~in.
\q1
\v 21 For the \nd Lord\nd* will rise up as~he~did at~Mount~Perazim.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:21 \ft \+xt 2Sm 5:20; 1Ch 14:11\+xt*\f*
\q He will rise in wrath, as~at~the~Valley of~Gibeon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:21 \ft \+xt Jos 10:10,12; 2Sm 5:25; 1Ch 14:16\+xt*\f*
\q to do his work, his~unexpected~work,
\q and to perform his~task, his~unfamiliar~task.
\q1
\v 22 So now, do~not~scoff,
\q or your shackles will~become~stronger.
\q Indeed, I have heard from~the~Lord \nd God\nd* of~Armies
\q a decree of destruction for~the~whole~land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:22 \ft \+xt Is 10:22–23; Rm 9:27–28\+xt*\f*
\s1 God’s Wonderful Advice
\q1
\v 23 Listen and hear my~voice.
\q Pay attention and hear what~I~say.
\q1
\v 24 Does the plowman plow every~day to~plant~seed?
\q Does he continuously break~up and~cultivate the~soil?
\q1
\v 25 When he has leveled its~surface,
\q does he not then scatter black~cumin and~sow~cumin?
\q He plants wheat in rows and~barley in~plots,
\q with spelt as their~border.
\q1
\v 26 His God teaches him~order;
\q he instructs him.
\q1
\v 27 Certainly black cumin is~not~threshed
\q with a threshing board,
\q and a cart wheel is~not~rolled over~the~cumin.
\q But black cumin is~beaten~out with~a~stick,
\q and cumin with~a~rod.
\q1
\v 28 Bread grain is~crushed,
\q but is not threshed~endlessly.
\q Though the wheel of~the~farmer’s~cart~rumbles,
\q his horses do not crush it.
\q1
\v 29 This also comes from~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\q He gives wondrous advice;
\q he gives great wisdom.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 28:29 \ft \+xt Is 9:6; Jr 32:19\+xt*\f*
\c 29
\s1 Woe to Jerusalem
\q1
\v 1 Woe to Ariel,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:1 \ft Or \fqa Altar Hearth\ft , or \fqa Lion of God\ft ; Hb obscure, also in v.~2\f* Ariel,
\q the city where David camped!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:1 \ft \+xt 2Sm 5:9\+xt*\f*
\q Continue year~after~year;
\q let the festivals recur.
\q1
\v 2 I will oppress Ariel,
\q and there will be mourning and~crying,
\q and she will be to me like~an~Ariel.
\q1
\v 3 I will camp in a circle around~you;
\q I will besiege you with~earth~ramps,
\q and I will set up my~siege~towers against~you.
\q1
\v 4 You will be brought down;
\q you will speak from~the~ground,
\q and your words will come from~low in~the~dust.
\q Your voice will be like~that of~a~spirit from~the~ground;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:4 \ft \+xt Is 8:19\+xt*\f*
\q your speech will whisper from~the~dust.
\b
\q1
\v 5 Your many foes~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:5 \ft Lit \fqa foreigners\f* will~be like~fine~dust,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:5 \ft \+xt Is 17:13; 41:15–16\+xt*\f*
\q and many of~the~ruthless, like~blowing~chaff.
\q Then suddenly, in~an~instant,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:5 \ft \+xt Is 17:14; 30:13; 47:11; 1Th 5:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 you will be punished by~the~\nd Lord\nd* of~Armies
\q with thunder, earthquake, and~loud~noise,
\q storm, tempest, and~a~flame of~consuming~fire.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:6 \ft \+xt Ex 9:23; 19:16,19; 20:18; 1Sm 2:10; 12:18; Jb 40:9; Ps 77:18; Zch 14:5; Rv 4:5; 11:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 All the many~nations~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:7 \ft \+xt Mc 4:11–12; Zch 12:9\+xt*\f*
\q going out to~battle against~Ariel~—
\q all the attackers, the~siege works against~her,
\q and those who~oppress~her~—
\q will then be like a~dream, a~vision in~the~night.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:7 \ft \+xt Jb 20:8; Ps 73:20; Is 17:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 It will be like a~hungry~one who~dreams he~is~eating,
\q then wakes and is still~hungry;
\q and like a~thirsty~one who~dreams he~is~drinking,
\q then wakes and is still thirsty, longing~for~water.
\q So it will be for all the many~nations
\q who go to battle against~Mount~Zion.
\b
\q1
\v 9 Stop and~be~astonished;
\q blind yourselves and~be~blind!
\q They are drunk,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 29:9 \ft LXX, Tg, Vg read \fqa Be drunk\f* but~not with~wine;
\q they stagger,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 29:9 \ft Tg, Vg read \fqa wine; stagger\f* but~not with~beer.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:9 \ft \+xt Lk 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 For the \nd Lord\nd* has poured out on~you
\q an overwhelming urge to~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:10 \ft Lit \fqa you a spirit of\f*~sleep;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:10 \ft \+xt Ps 69:23; Is 6:9–10; Mc 3:6\+xt*\f*
\q he has shut your eyes (the~prophets)
\q and covered your heads (the~seers).~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:10 \ft \+xt Rm 11:8\+xt*\f*
\m
\v 11 For you the entire vision will be like the words of a sealed document.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:11 \ft \+xt Is 8:16; Dn 12:4,9; Mt 13:11; Rv 5:1\+xt*\f* If it is given to one who can read and he is asked to read it,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:11 \ft Lit \fqa If one gives it to one who knows the document, saying, “Read this, please”\f* he will say, “I can’t read it, because it is sealed.”
\v 12 And if the document is given to one who cannot read and he is asked to read it,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:12 \ft Lit \fqa who does not know the document, saying, “Read this, please”\f* he will say, “I can’t read.”
\p
\v 13 The Lord said:
\q These people approach~me with~their~speeches~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:13 \ft \+xt Ezk 33:31; Mt 15:8–9; Mk 7:6–7\+xt*\f*
\q to honor me with~lip-service,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:13 \ft Lit \fqa their mouth and honor me with its lips\f*
\q yet their hearts are~far from~me,
\q and human~rules direct their worship of me.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 29:13 \ft Lit \fqa their fearing of me is a taught command of men\f*
\q1
\v 14 Therefore, I will again confound these~people
\q with wonder after~wonder.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:14 \ft \+xt Is 6:9–10; 28:21; 65:7; Hab 1:5\+xt*\f*
\q The wisdom of their wise will~vanish,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:14 \ft \+xt Is 44:25; Jr 8:9; 49:7; 1Co 1:19\+xt*\f*
\q and the perception of~their~perceptive will~be~hidden.
\b
\q1
\v 15 Woe to those who go to~great~lengths
\q to hide their~plans from~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:15 \ft \+xt Ps 10:11,13; Is 28:15; 30:1\+xt*\f*
\q They do their works in~the dark,
\q and say, “Who~sees~us? Who~knows~us?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:15 \ft \+xt Jb 22:13; Is 57:12; Ezk 8:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 You have turned things around,
\q as if the potter were the same as~the~clay.
\q How can what is made say about~its~maker,
\q “He didn’t make me”?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:16 \ft \+xt Rm 9:20\+xt*\f*
\q How can what is formed
\q say about~the~one who~formed~it,
\q “He doesn’t understand what~he’s~doing”?
\b
\q1
\v 17 Isn’t it true that in just a~little~while
\q Lebanon will become an~orchard,
\q and the orchard will~seem like~a~forest?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:17 \ft \+xt Ps 84:6; 107:33,35; Is 32:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 On that day the deaf will~hear~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:18 \ft \+xt Is 35:5; 42:18–19; 43:8; Mt 11:5; Mk 7:37\+xt*\f*
\q the words of~a~document,
\q and out of a~deep~darkness
\q the eyes of~the~blind will~see.
\q1
\v 19 The humble will have joy
\q after joy in~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q and the poor people will~rejoice~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:19 \ft \+xt Ps 69:32; Is 49:13\+xt*\f*
\q in the Holy One of~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:19 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 For the ruthless one will~vanish,
\q the scorner will~disappear,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:20 \ft \+xt Is 28:14\+xt*\f*
\q and all those who lie in wait with~evil~intent
\q will be killed~—
\q1
\v 21 those who, with~their~speech,
\q accuse a person of~wrongdoing,
\q who set a trap for the one~mediating~at the~city gate
\q and without cause deprive the~righteous of~justice.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:21 \ft \+xt Is 32:7; Am 5:10,12\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 22 Therefore, the \nd Lord\nd* who redeemed Abraham~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:22 \ft \+xt Is 41:8; 51:2; 63:16\+xt*\f* says this about the house of Jacob:
\q Jacob will no~longer be~ashamed,
\q and his face will no~longer be~pale.
\q1
\v 23 For when he sees his~children,
\q the work of my hands within~his~nation,
\q they will honor my~name,
\q they will honor the~Holy~One of~Jacob~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:23 \ft \+xt 2Sm 23:1; Ps 24:6; 76:6; 114:7; Is 2:3\+xt*\f*
\q and stand in awe of~the~God of~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 29:23 \ft \+xt Is 5:16; 8:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 24 Those who are~confused will~gain~understanding,
\q and those who~grumble will~accept~instruction.
\c 30
\s1 Condemnation of the Egyptian Alliance
\q1
\v 1 Woe to the rebellious children!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:1 \ft \+xt Dt 21:18–21; Is 1:2,23; 30:9; 65:2\+xt*\f*
\qm This~is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration.
\q They carry out a plan,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:1 \ft \+xt Is 29:15\+xt*\f* but~not~mine;
\q they make an~alliance,
\q but against my~will,
\q piling sin on~top of~sin.
\q1
\v 2 Without asking my~advice
\q they set out to go~down to~Egypt~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:2 \ft \+xt Is 31:1; Jr 43:7\+xt*\f*
\q in order to seek shelter under~Pharaoh’s~protection
\q and take refuge in~Egypt’s~shadow.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:2 \ft \+xt Is 36:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 But Pharaoh’s protection will~become your~shame,
\q and refuge in~Egypt’s~shadow your~humiliation.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:3 \ft \+xt Is 20:5–6; 36:6; Jr 42:18,22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 For though his~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 30:4 \ft Or \fqa Judah’s\f* princes are at~Zoan~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:4 \ft \+xt Is 19:11\+xt*\f*
\q and his messengers reach as~far~as~Hanes,
\q1
\v 5 everyone will~be~ashamed
\q because of a~people who~can’t~help.
\q They are of no~benefit, they~are no~help;
\q they are good for nothing but~shame and~disgrace.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:5 \ft \+xt Jr 2:36\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 6 A pronouncement~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:6 \ft \+xt Is 13:1\+xt*\f* concerning the animals of the Negev:~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 30:6 \ft Or \fqa Southland\f*
\q Through a land of trouble and~distress,
\q of lioness and~lion,
\q of viper and~flying~serpent,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:6 \ft \+xt Dt 8:15\+xt*\f*
\q they carry their wealth on~the~backs of~donkeys
\q and their treasures on~the~humps of~camels,
\q to a people who will~not help~them.
\q1
\v 7 Egypt’s help is completely~worthless;
\q therefore, I~call~her:
\q Rahab Who Just Sits.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:7 \ft \+xt Ps 87:4; 89:10; Is 51:9; Ezk 29:3,7\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 Go now, write it on~a~tablet in~their~presence
\q and inscribe it on~a~scroll;
\q it will be for~the~future,
\q forever and~ever.
\q1
\v 9 They are a~rebellious~people,
\q deceptive children,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:9 \ft \+xt Is 30:1\+xt*\f*
\q children who do not want to listen to the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~instruction.
\q1
\v 10 They say to the seers, “Do~not~see,”
\q and to the prophets,
\q “Do not prophesy the~truth to~us.
\q Tell us flattering things.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:10 \ft \+xt 1Kg 22:8,13; Jr 6:14; 23:17,26; Ezk 13:8–16; Rm 16:18; 2Tm 4:3–4\+xt*\f*
\q Prophesy illusions.
\q1
\v 11 Get out of the way!
\q Leave the pathway.
\q Rid us of the Holy One of~Israel.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:11 \ft \+xt Is 1:4; 41:14–20; 43:14; 45:11; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5; 60:9,14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 Therefore the Holy One of~Israel~says:
\q “Because you have rejected this~message
\q and have trusted in~oppression and~deceit,
\q and have depended on~them,
\q1
\v 13 this iniquity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:13 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* of yours will~be
\q like a~crumbling~gap,
\q a bulge in a high wall
\q whose collapse will~come in~an~instant~#—~#suddenly!
\q1
\v 14 Its collapse will be like~the~shattering
\q of a potter’s jar,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:14 \ft \+xt Ps 2:9; Jr 19:10–11\+xt*\f* crushed~to~pieces,
\q so that not even a~fragment of~pottery
\q will be found among its~shattered~remains~—
\q no fragment large enough to~take~fire from~a~hearth
\q or scoop water from~a~cistern.”
\q1
\v 15 For the Lord \nd God\nd*, the~Holy~One of~Israel, has~said:
\q “You will be delivered by~returning and~resting;
\q your strength will lie in~quiet~confidence.
\q But you are not~willing.”
\q1
\v 16 You say, “No!
\q We will escape on~horses”~—
\q therefore you will~escape!~—
\q and, “We will ride on~fast~horses”~—
\q but those who~pursue~you will~be~faster.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:16 \ft \+xt Is 31:1,3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 One thousand will flee at~the~threat of~one,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:17 \ft \+xt Lv 26:36; Dt 28:25; 32:30; Jos 23:10; Pr 28:1\+xt*\f*
\q at the threat of five you~will~flee,
\q until you remain
\q like a solitary pole on~a~mountaintop
\q or a banner on~a~hill.
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*’s Mercy to Israel
\q1
\v 18 Therefore the \nd Lord\nd* is~waiting to~show~you~mercy,
\q and is rising up to~show~you~compassion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:18 \ft \+xt 2Pt 3:9\+xt*\f*
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* is a~just~God.
\q All who wait patiently for~him are~happy.
\b
\p
\v 19 For people will live on Zion in Jerusalem. You will never weep again; he will show favor to you at the sound of your outcry; as soon as he hears, he will answer you.
\v 20 The Lord will give you meager bread and water during oppression,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:20 \ft \+xt 1Kg 22:27; Ps 80:5\+xt*\f* but your Teacher~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 30:20 \ft Or \fqa teachers\f* will not hide any longer. Your eyes will see your Teacher,
\v 21 and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:21 \ft \+xt Is 35:8–9\+xt*\f*
\v 22 Then you will defile your silver-plated idols and your gold-plated images. You will throw them away like menstrual cloths, and call them filth.
\p
\v 23 Then he will send rain for your seed that you have sown in the ground, and the food, the produce of the ground, will be rich and plentiful. On that day your cattle will graze in open pastures.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:23 \ft \+xt Ps 144:13; Is 32:20; Hs 4:16\+xt*\f*
\v 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the ground will eat salted fodder scattered with winnowing shovel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:24 \ft \+xt Mt 3:12\+xt*\f* and fork.
\v 25 Streams flowing with water will be on every high mountain and every raised hill on the day of great slaughter when the towers fall.
\v 26 The moonlight will be as bright as the sunlight, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:26 \ft \+xt Is 24:23; 60:19–20; Rv 21:23; 22:5\+xt*\f*~#—~#like the light of seven days~#—~#on the day~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:26 \ft \+xt Mt 25:13\+xt*\f* that the \nd Lord\nd* bandages his people’s injuries and heals the wounds he inflicted.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:26 \ft \+xt Is 33:24; Jr 33:6; Hs 6:1–2\+xt*\f*
\s1 Annihilation of the Assyrians
\q1
\v 27 Look! The~name of~the~\nd Lord\nd* is coming from~far~away,
\q his anger burning and~heavy with~smoke.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 30:27 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q His lips are full of~fury,
\q and his tongue is like~a~consuming~fire.
\q1
\v 28 His breath is like an~overflowing~torrent~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:28 \ft \+xt Is 11:4; 30:33; 2Th 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q that rises to~the~neck.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:28 \ft \+xt Is 8:8\+xt*\f*
\q He comes to sift the nations in~a~sieve of~destruction
\q and to put a bridle on~the~jaws of~the~peoples
\q to lead them astray.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:28 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:28; Is 37:29\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 29 Your singing will be like~that
\q on the night of~a~holy~festival,
\q and your heart will~rejoice
\q like one who walks to~the~music of~a~flute,
\q going up to~the~mountain of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q to the Rock of~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:29 \ft \+xt Is 8:14; 26:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 30 And the \nd Lord\nd* will make the~splendor of~his~voice~heard
\q and reveal his~arm~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:30 \ft \+xt Ex 6:6; Dt 4:34; Jb 40:9; Is 53:1; Jr 32:17; Ezk 20:33\+xt*\f*~striking~in angry~wrath
\q and a~flame of~consuming~fire,
\q in driving rain, a~torrent, and~hailstones.
\q1
\v 31 Assyria will be shattered by~the~voice of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q He will strike with~a~rod.
\q1
\v 32 And every stroke of~the~appointed~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 30:32 \ft Some Hb mss read \fqa punishing\f*~staff
\q that the \nd Lord\nd* brings down on~him
\q will be to the sound of~tambourines and~lyres;
\q he will fight against him with~brandished~weapons.
\q1
\v 33 Indeed! Topheth has~been~ready~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:33 \ft \+xt 2Kg 23:10; Jr 7:31; 19:6\+xt*\f*
\q for the king for a~long~time.
\q Its funeral pyre is~deep and~wide,
\q with plenty of fire and~wood.
\q The breath of the \nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 30:33 \ft \+xt Is 40:7\+xt*\f* like~a~torrent of~burning~sulfur,
\q kindles it.
\c 31
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*, the Only Help
\q1
\v 1 Woe to those who go down to~Egypt for~help~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:1 \ft \+xt Is 30:2,7; 36:6\+xt*\f*
\q and who depend on~horses!
\q They trust in the abundance of~chariots
\q and in the large number of~horsemen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:1 \ft \+xt Dt 17:16; Ps 20:7; 33:17; Is 2:7; 30:16; 36:9\+xt*\f*
\q They do not look~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:1 \ft \+xt Is 9:13; 17:7–8; Dn 9:13; Am 5:4–8\+xt*\f* to~the~Holy~One of~Israel,
\q and they do not seek the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 2 But he also is wise and~brings~disaster.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:2 \ft \+xt Is 45:7\+xt*\f*
\q He does not go back on~what he~says;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:2 \ft \+xt Nm 23:19; Is 22:14; Jr 44:29\+xt*\f*
\q he will rise up against~the~house of~the~wicked
\q and against the~allies of~evildoers.
\q1
\v 3 Egyptians are men, not~God;
\q their horses are flesh, not~spirit.
\q When the \nd Lord\nd* raises~his~hand to~strike,
\q the helper will stumble
\q and the one who~is~helped will~fall;
\q both will perish~together.
\b
\p
\v 4 For this is what the \nd Lord\nd* said to me:
\q As a lion or young lion growls over~its~prey~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:4 \ft \+xt Nm 24:9; Hs 11:10; Am 3:8\+xt*\f*
\q when a band of shepherds is~called~out against~it,
\q and it is not terrified by~their~shouting
\q or subdued by~their~noise,
\q so the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies will~come~down
\q to fight on~Mount~Zion
\q and on its hill.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:4 \ft \+xt Is 42:13; Zch 12:8\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 5 Like hovering birds,
\q so the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies will~protect~Jerusalem;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:5 \ft \+xt Dt 32:11; Ps 91:4\+xt*\f*
\q by protecting it, he~will~rescue~it;
\q by passing over~it, he~will~deliver~it.
\b
\p
\v 6 Return to the one the Israelites have greatly rebelled against.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:6 \ft \+xt Is 1:5; 59:13\+xt*\f*
\v 7 For on that day, every one of you will reject the worthless idols of silver and gold that your own hands have sinfully made.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:7 \ft \+xt Is 2:20; 30:22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 Then Assyria will~fall,
\q but not by~human~sword;
\q a sword will devour him,
\q but not one made by~man.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:8 \ft \+xt Is 37:7,36–38\+xt*\f*
\q He will flee from~the~sword;
\q his young men will~be~put to~forced~labor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:8 \ft \+xt Gn 49:15; Is 14:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 His rock~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 31:9 \ft Perhaps the Assyrian king\f* will~pass~away because~of~fear,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:9 \ft \+xt Dt 32:31,37\+xt*\f*
\q and his officers will~be~afraid because~of the~signal~flag.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:9 \ft \+xt Is 5:26; 13:2; Jr 4:6,21; 51:12,27\+xt*\f*
\m This is the \nd Lord\nd*’s declaration~#—~#whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 31:9 \ft \+xt Lv 10:2; Is 10:17; 30:33\+xt*\f*
\c 32
\s1 The Righteous Kingdom Announced
\q1
\v 1 Indeed, a king will~reign~righteously,
\q and rulers will~rule~justly.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:1 \ft \+xt Ps 72:1–4; Is 9:6–7; 11:4–5; Jr 23:5; Zch 9:9; 14:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Each will be like~a~shelter from~the~wind,
\q a refuge from~the~rain,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:2 \ft \+xt Is 4:6; 25:4\+xt*\f*
\q like flowing~streams~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:2 \ft \+xt Is 30:25\+xt*\f* in~a~dry~land
\q and the shade of~a~massive~rock in~an~arid~land.
\q1
\v 3 Then the eyes of~those who~see will~not be~closed,
\q and the ears of~those who~hear will~listen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:3 \ft \+xt Is 6:10; 29:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 The reckless mind will~gain~knowledge,
\q and the stammering tongue~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:4 \ft \+xt Is 33:19\+xt*\f* will~speak~clearly and~fluently.
\q1
\v 5 A fool will no longer be~called a~noble,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:5 \ft \+xt Ps 107:40; 118:9; 146:3\+xt*\f*
\q nor a scoundrel said to~be~important.
\q1
\v 6 For a fool speaks~foolishness
\q and his mind plots~iniquity.
\q He lives in a~godless~way
\q and speaks falsely about~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q He leaves the~hungry~empty
\q and deprives the~thirsty of~drink.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:6 \ft \+xt Is 3:15; 10:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 The scoundrel’s weapons are~destructive;
\q he hatches plots to~destroy the~needy with~lies,
\q even when the~poor person says what~is~right.
\q1
\v 8 But a noble person plans noble~things;
\q he stands up for~noble~causes.
\b
\q1
\v 9 Stand up, you~complacent~women;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:9 \ft \+xt Is 47:8; Am 6:1; Zph 2:15\+xt*\f*
\q listen to me.
\q Pay attention to~what I~say,
\q you overconfident daughters.
\q1
\v 10 In a little more than~a~year
\q you overconfident ones will~shudder,
\q for the grapes will~fail
\q and the harvest will~not~come.
\q1
\v 11 Shudder, you~complacent~ones;
\q tremble, you~overconfident~ones!
\q Strip yourselves bare~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:11 \ft \+xt Is 47:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q and put sackcloth around~your~waists.
\q1
\v 12 Beat your breasts in~mourning~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:12 \ft \+xt Nah 2:7\+xt*\f*
\q for the delightful fields and~the~fruitful~vines,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:12 \ft \+xt Mk 14:25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 for the ground of~my~people
\q growing thorns and~briers,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:13 \ft \+xt Is 5:6; 7:23–25; 9:18; 27:4\+xt*\f*
\q indeed, for every joyous house in~the~jubilant~city.
\q1
\v 14 For the palace will~be~deserted,
\q the busy city abandoned.
\q The hill and the watchtower will~become
\q barren places forever,
\q the joy of~wild~donkeys,
\q and a pasture for~flocks,
\q1
\v 15 until the Spirit~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 32:15 \ft Or \fqa a wind\f* from~on~high is~poured~out on~us.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:15 \ft \+xt Is 11:2; 44:3; 59:21; Ezk 39:29; Jl 2:28\+xt*\f*
\q Then the desert will~become an~orchard,
\q and the orchard will~seem like~a~forest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:15 \ft \+xt Is 29:17; 35:1–2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 Then justice will~inhabit the~wilderness,
\q and righteousness will~dwell in~the~orchard.
\q1
\v 17 The result of~righteousness will~be~peace;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:17 \ft \+xt Ps 72:2–3; 85:8; 119:165; Is 2:4; Rm 14:17; Jms 3:18\+xt*\f*
\q the effect of~righteousness
\q will be quiet confidence~forever.
\q1
\v 18 Then my people will~dwell in~a~peaceful~place,
\q in safe and~secure~dwellings.
\q1
\v 19 But hail will level the~forest,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 32:19 \ft Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:19 \ft \+xt Is 28:2,17; 30:30\+xt*\f*
\q and the city will~sink into~the~depths.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:19 \ft \+xt Is 24:10,12; 26:5; 27:10; 29:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 You will be happy as you sow~seed
\q beside abundant water,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:20 \ft \+xt Nm 24:7; Ec 11:1; Is 30:23–24\+xt*\f*
\q and as you let oxen and~donkeys range~freely.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 32:20 \ft \+xt Is 30:24\+xt*\f*
\c 33
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd* Rises Up
\q1
\v 1 Woe, you destroyer never~destroyed,
\q you traitor never~betrayed!
\q When you have finished~destroying,
\q you will be destroyed.
\q When you have finished~betraying,
\q they will betray you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:1 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:14–36; Is 17:14; 21:2\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 2 \nd Lord\nd*, be gracious to~us! We~wait for~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:2 \ft \+xt Is 25:9; 26:8\+xt*\f*
\q Be our strength every~morning
\q and our salvation in~time of~trouble.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:2 \ft \+xt Ex 15:2; Ps 28:8; Is 12:2; 17:10; 51:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 The peoples flee at~the~thunderous~noise;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:3 \ft \+xt Is 17:13; 21:15\+xt*\f*
\q the nations scatter when~you~rise in~your~majesty.
\q1
\v 4 Your spoil will~be~gathered as~locusts are~gathered;
\q people will swarm over~it like~an~infestation of~locusts.
\q1
\v 5 The \nd Lord\nd* is exalted, for~he~dwells on~high;
\q he has filled Zion with~justice and~righteousness.
\q1
\v 6 There will be times of~security for~you~—
\q a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and~knowledge.
\q The fear of the \nd Lord\nd* is Zion’s~treasure.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:6 \ft \+xt Is 11:2–3; Ac 9:31\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 7 Listen! Their warriors cry~loudly in~the~streets;
\q the messengers of peace weep~bitterly.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:7 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:18,37; Is 36:3,22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 The highways are~deserted;
\q travel has ceased.
\q An agreement has been broken,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:8 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:14–17; Is 24:5\+xt*\f*
\q cities~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 33:8 \ft DSS read \fqa witnesses\f* despised,
\q and human life disregarded.
\q1
\v 9 The land mourns and~withers;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:9 \ft \+xt Is 3:26; 24:4; 29:2\+xt*\f*
\q Lebanon is ashamed and~wilted.
\q Sharon is like~a~desert;
\q Bashan and Carmel shake~off their~leaves.
\q1
\v 10 “Now I will rise up,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:10 \ft \+xt Ps 12:5; Is 2:19,21\+xt*\f* says~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q “Now I will lift myself up.
\q Now I will be exalted.
\q1
\v 11 You will conceive chaff;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:11 \ft \+xt Ps 7:14; Is 26:18; 59:4; Jms 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q you will give birth to~stubble.
\q Your breath is fire that~will consume~you.
\q1
\v 12 The peoples will be burned to~ashes,
\q like thorns cut down and~burned in~a~fire.
\q1
\v 13 You who are far off, hear~what I~have~done;
\q you who are near,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:13 \ft \+xt Is 18:2; Eph 2:17\+xt*\f* know~my~strength.”
\b
\q1
\v 14 The sinners in Zion are~afraid;
\q trembling seizes the~ungodly:
\q “Who among us can~dwell with~a~consuming~fire?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:14 \ft \+xt Is 30:27,30; 66:15; Heb 12:29\+xt*\f*
\q Who among us can~dwell with~ever-burning~flames?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:14 \ft \+xt Is 66:24\+xt*\f*~”
\q1
\v 15 The one who lives~righteously
\q and speaks rightly,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:15 \ft \+xt Ps 15:2; 24:4; Is 58:6–11\+xt*\f*
\q who refuses profit from~extortion,
\q whose hand never takes~a~bribe,
\q who stops his ears from~listening to~murderous~plots
\q and shuts his eyes against evil~schemes~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:15 \ft \+xt Ps 119:37\+xt*\f*~—
\q1
\v 16 he will dwell on~the~heights;
\q his refuge will be the~rocky~fortresses,
\q his food provided, his~water~assured.
\b
\q1
\v 17 Your eyes will see the~King in~his~beauty;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:17 \ft \+xt Is 6:5; 24:23; 33:21–22; Zch 9:9\+xt*\f*
\q you will see a~vast~land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:17 \ft \+xt Is 54:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 Your mind will meditate on~the~past~terror:
\q “Where is the~accountant?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 33:18 \ft Lit \fqa counter\f*
\q Where is the~tribute~collector?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 33:18 \ft Lit \fqa weigher\f*
\q Where is the one who~spied~out our~defenses?~”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 33:18 \ft Lit \fqa who counts towers\f*
\q1
\v 19 You will no longer see the~barbarians,
\q a people whose speech is~difficult to~comprehend~—
\q who stammer in~a~language that~is not~understood.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:19 \ft \+xt Dt 28:49–50; Is 28:11; Jr 5:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 Look at Zion, the~city of~our~festival~times.
\q Your eyes will see~Jerusalem,
\q a peaceful pasture,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:20 \ft \+xt Ps 46:5; 125:1–2; Is 32:18\+xt*\f* a~tent that~does~not~wander;
\q its tent pegs will~not be~pulled~up
\q nor will any of~its~cords be~loosened.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:20 \ft \+xt Is 54:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 For the majestic one, our~\nd Lord\nd*, will~be~there,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:21 \ft \+xt Rm 8:31\+xt*\f*
\q a place of rivers and~broad~streams
\q where ships that~are~rowed will~not~go,
\q and majestic vessels will~not~pass.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:21 \ft \+xt Is 41:18; 43:19–20; 48:18; 66:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 For the \nd Lord\nd* is our~Judge,
\q the \nd Lord\nd* is our~Lawgiver,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:22 \ft \+xt Is 1:10; 51:4,7; Jms 4:12\+xt*\f*
\q the \nd Lord\nd* is our~King.
\q He will save us.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:22 \ft \+xt 2Sm 22:3; 23:5; 2Kg 19:19,34; Is 25:9; 35:4; 38:20\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 23 Your ropes are~slack;
\q they cannot hold the~base of~the~mast
\q or spread out the~flag.
\q Then abundant spoil will~be~divided,
\q the lame will plunder it,
\q1
\v 24 and none there will say, “I~am~sick.”
\q The people who~dwell~there
\q will be forgiven~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:24 \ft \+xt Is 40:2; 44:22; Jr 50:20; Mc 7:18–19; 1Jn 1:7–9\+xt*\f* their~iniquity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 33:24 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\c 34
\s1 The Judgment of the Nations
\q1
\v 1 You nations, come~here and~listen;
\q you peoples, pay~attention!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:1 \ft \+xt Ps 49:1; Is 1:2; 41:1; 43:9; 45:20\+xt*\f*
\q Let the earth and~all that~fills~it hear,
\q the world and~all that~comes from~it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:1 \ft \+xt Ps 24:1; Is 6:3; 42:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 The \nd Lord\nd* is angry with~all the~nations,
\q furious with all their~armies.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:2 \ft \+xt Is 13:5; Jr 10:10; 50:13\+xt*\f*
\q He will set them apart for~destruction,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:2 \ft \+xt Jos 6:21; 1Sm 15:3; Is 11:5; 24:1,6; 43:28\+xt*\f*
\q giving them over to~slaughter.
\q1
\v 3 Their slain will be thrown~out,
\q and the stench of~their~corpses will~rise;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:3 \ft \+xt Is 14:21; 18:6; Ezk 39:17; Jl 2:10; Am 4:10; Rv 19:17–19\+xt*\f*
\q the mountains will flow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 34:3 \ft Or \fqa melt\ft , or \fqa dissolve\f* with~their~blood.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:3 \ft \+xt Ps 46:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 All~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 34:4 \ft DSS read \fqa And the valleys will be split, and all\f* the stars in the sky~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:4 \ft \+xt 2Kg 17:16; 21:3,5; 23:4–5\+xt*\f* will~dissolve.
\q The sky will roll up like~a~scroll,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:4 \ft \+xt Rv 6:12–14\+xt*\f*
\q and its stars will~all~wither
\q as leaves wither on~the~vine,
\q and foliage on~the~fig~tree.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:4 \ft \+xt Ps 102:25–27; Is 13:10; 51:6; Ezk 32:7–8; Jl 3:15; Mt 24:29; Mk 13:24–25; 2Pt 3:10,12\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Judgment of Edom
\q1
\v 5 When my sword has~drunk its~fill~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 34:5 \ft DSS read \fqa sword will appear\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:5 \ft \+xt Dt 32:41–43; Jr 46:10; Ezk 21:3–5\+xt*\f* in~the~heavens,
\q it will then come down on~Edom~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:5 \ft \+xt Nm 20:14–21; Is 63:1; Jr 49:7–8,20; Ezk 25:12–14; 35:1–15; Jl 3:19; Am 1:11–12; Ob 1–14; Mal 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q and on the people I~have set~apart for~destruction.
\q1
\v 6 The \nd Lord\nd*’s sword is~covered with~blood.
\q It drips with~fat,
\q with the blood of~lambs and~goats,
\q with the fat of~the~kidneys of~rams.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:6 \ft \+xt Is 25:6; 30:32; Jr 46:10; 51:40; Ezk 39:17; Zph 1:7–9\+xt*\f*
\q For the \nd Lord\nd* has a~sacrifice in~Bozrah,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:6 \ft \+xt Gn 36:33; Is 63:1; Jr 49:13,22\+xt*\f*
\q a great slaughter in~the~land of~Edom.
\q1
\v 7 The wild oxen will~be~struck~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 34:7 \ft Or \fqa will go\f*~down with~them,
\q and young bulls with~the~mighty~bulls.
\q Their land will~be~soaked with~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 34:7 \ft Or \fqa will drink its fill of\f*~blood,
\q and their soil will~be~saturated with~fat.
\b
\q1
\v 8 For the \nd Lord\nd* has a~day of~vengeance,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:8 \ft \+xt Is 13:6; 35:4; 47:3; 61:2; 63:4\+xt*\f*
\q a time of paying back~Edom
\q for its hostility against~Zion.
\q1
\v 9 Edom’s streams will~be~turned into~pitch,
\q her soil into~sulfur;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:9 \ft \+xt Gn 19:24; Dt 29:23; Ps 11:6; Is 30:33; Ezk 38:22\+xt*\f*
\q her land will become burning~pitch.
\q1
\v 10 It will never go out~#—~#day~or~night.
\q Its smoke will~go~up~forever.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:10 \ft \+xt Is 1:31; 66:24; Rv 14:11; 19:3\+xt*\f*
\q It will be desolate, from~generation to~generation;
\q no one will pass through~it~forever and~ever.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:10 \ft \+xt Is 13:20–22; Ezk 29:11; Mal 1:3–4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 Eagle owls~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 34:11 \ft Or \fqa Pelicans\f* and~herons~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 34:11 \ft Or \fqa hedgehogs\f* will~possess~it,
\q and long-eared owls and~ravens will~dwell~there.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:11 \ft \+xt Is 13:21–22; 14:23; Zph 2:14\+xt*\f*
\q The \nd Lord\nd* will~stretch~out a~measuring~line
\q and a plumb line~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:11 \ft \+xt Am 7:7–9\+xt*\f* over~her
\q for her destruction and~chaos.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:11 \ft \+xt 2Kg 21:13; Is 24:10; Lm 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 No nobles will be left to~proclaim a~king,
\q and all her princes will~come to~nothing.
\q1
\v 13 Her palaces will~be~overgrown with~thorns;
\q her fortified cities, with~thistles and~briers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:13 \ft \+xt Is 32:13\+xt*\f*
\q She will become a~dwelling for~jackals,
\q an abode~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 34:13 \ft DSS, LXX, Syr, Tg; MT reads \fqa jackals, grass\f* for~ostriches.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:13 \ft \+xt Ps 44:19; Is 13:22; Jr 9:11; 10:22; Mal 1:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 The desert creatures will~meet~hyenas,
\q and one wild goat will~call to~another.
\q Indeed, the night birds will~stay~there
\q and will find a~resting~place.
\q1
\v 15 Sand partridges~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 34:15 \ft Or \fqa Arrow snakes\ft , or \fqa Owls\f* will~make their~nests~there;
\q they will lay and~hatch their~eggs
\q and will gather their~broods under~their~shadows.
\q Indeed, the birds of~prey will~gather~there,
\q each with its~mate.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:15 \ft \+xt Dt 14:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 Search and read the~scroll of~the~\nd Lord\nd*:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:16 \ft \+xt Ps 40:7; 139:16; Is 8:16; 30:8; Dn 7:10; Mal 3:16; Rv 20:12\+xt*\f*
\q Not one of them will~be~missing,
\q none will be lacking its~mate,
\q because he has ordered it by~my~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 34:16 \ft Some Hb mss; other Hb mss, DSS, Syr, Tg read \fqa his\f*~mouth,
\q and he will gather them by~his~Spirit.
\q1
\v 17 He has cast the lot for~them;
\q his hand allotted their portion with~a~measuring~line.
\q They will possess it~forever;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 34:17 \ft \+xt Nm 24:18\+xt*\f*
\q they will dwell in it from~generation to~generation.
\c 35
\s1 The Ransomed Return to Zion
\q1
\v 1 The wilderness and~the~dry~land will~be~glad;
\q the desert will rejoice and~blossom like~a~wildflower.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 35:1 \ft Or \fqa meadow saffron\ft ; traditionally \fqa rose\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:1 \ft \+xt Ps 65:12; Is 6:11; 7:21–25; 27:10; 32:15; 41:18–19; 51:3; 55:12–13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 It will blossom~abundantly
\q and will also rejoice with~joy and~singing.
\q The glory of~Lebanon will~be~given to~it,
\q the splendor of~Carmel and~Sharon.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:2 \ft \+xt Sg 2:1; 5:15; 7:5; Is 33:9\+xt*\f*
\q They will see the~glory of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:2 \ft \+xt Ex 16:7,10; Lv 9:6,23; Nm 29:6; Is 40:5; Ezk 1:28; 3:23\+xt*\f*
\q the splendor of~our~God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:2 \ft \+xt Ps 45:3–4; 96:6; 104:1; 145:5,12; Is 2:10,19,21; 53:2; 63:1; Ezk 16:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 Strengthen the~weak~hands,
\q steady the~shaking~knees!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:3 \ft \+xt Heb 12:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Say to the~cowardly:
\q “Be strong; do~not~fear!
\q Here is your God; vengeance~is~coming.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:4 \ft \+xt Is 1:24; 34:8; 47:3; 59:17; 61:2; 63:4\+xt*\f*
\q God’s retribution is~coming; he~will save~you.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:4 \ft \+xt Is 33:22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Then the eyes of~the~blind will~be~opened,
\q and the ears of~the~deaf~unstopped.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:5 \ft \+xt Is 29:18; 32:3–4; 42:7,16,18; 50:4; Mt 11:5; Lk 7:22; Jn 9:6–7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Then the lame will~leap like~a~deer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:6 \ft \+xt Zph 3:19; Mt 11:5; 15:30–31; 21:14; Ac 3:1–8; 8:7; 14:8–10\+xt*\f*
\q and the tongue of~the~mute will~sing for~joy,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:6 \ft \+xt Ex 4:11; Mk 7:32; 9:25\+xt*\f*
\q for water will~gush in~the~wilderness,
\q and streams in~the~desert;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:6 \ft \+xt Is 41:18; 43:19; Jn 7:38–39\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 the parched ground will~become a~pool,
\q and the thirsty land, springs.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:7 \ft \+xt Is 49:10\+xt*\f*
\q In the haunt of~jackals,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:7 \ft \+xt Is 13:22; 34:13\+xt*\f* in~their~lairs,
\q there will be grass, reeds, and~papyrus.
\q1
\v 8 A road will be there and~a~way;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:8 \ft \+xt Is 40:3; 42:16; 43:16,19; 49:11; 51:10; 57:14; 62:10\+xt*\f*
\q it will be called the~Holy~Way.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:8 \ft \+xt Is 4:3; 52:1; Mt 7:13–14; 1Pt 1:15–16\+xt*\f*
\q The unclean will not travel on~it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:8 \ft \+xt Is 52:1; Rv 21:27\+xt*\f*
\q but it will be for the one who~walks the~path.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:8 \ft \+xt Ps 139:24; Is 2:3; 8:11; 30:21; 42:24; 48:17; 58:13\+xt*\f*
\q Fools will not wander~on it.
\q1
\v 9 There will be no~lion~there,
\q and no vicious beast will~go~up on~it;
\q they will not be found~there.
\q But the redeemed will~walk on~it,
\q1
\v 10 and the ransomed of~the~\nd Lord\nd* will~return~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:10 \ft \+xt Is 51:11\+xt*\f*
\q and come to Zion with~singing,
\q crowned with~unending~joy.
\q Joy and gladness will~overtake~them,
\q and sorrow and~sighing will~flee.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 35:10 \ft \+xt Is 65:19; Rm 9:2; Rv 21:4\+xt*\f*
\c 36
\s1 Sennacherib’s Invasion
\m
\v 1 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:1–22 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:13,17–37; 2Ch 32:1–16,18\+xt*\f* King Sennacherib of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them.
\v 2 Then the king of Assyria sent his royal spokesman, along with a massive army, from Lachish~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:2 \ft \+xt Jos 15:20,39\+xt*\f* to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. The Assyrian stood near the conduit of the upper pool, by the road to Launderer’s Field.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:2 \ft \+xt Is 7:3\+xt*\f*
\v 3 Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the court secretary,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:3 \ft \+xt Is 22:15,20–21\+xt*\f* and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came out to him.
\p
\v 4 The royal spokesman said to them, “Tell Hezekiah:
\pi The great king, the king of Assyria, says this: What are you relying on?
\v 5 You~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 36:5 \ft Many Hb mss, DSS, 2Kg 18:20; MT reads \fqa I\f* think mere words are strategy and strength for war. Who are you now relying on that you have rebelled against me?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:5 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:7\+xt*\f*
\v 6 Look, you are relying on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:6 \ft \+xt Ezk 29:6–7\+xt*\f* that will pierce the hand of anyone who grabs it and leans on it. This is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who rely on him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:6 \ft \+xt Is 30:3–7\+xt*\f*
\v 7 Suppose you say to me, ‘We rely on the \nd Lord\nd* our God.’ Isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You are to worship at this altar’?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:7 \ft \+xt Dt 12:2–5; 2Kg 18:4–5\+xt*\f*
\b
\pi
\v 8 “Now make a deal with my master, the king of Assyria. I’ll give you two thousand horses if you’re able to supply riders for them!
\v 9 How then can you drive back a single officer among the least of my master’s servants? How can you rely on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:9 \ft \+xt Is 20:5; 30:2–5,7; 31:3\+xt*\f*
\v 10 Have I attacked this land to destroy it without the \nd Lord\nd*’s approval? The \nd Lord\nd* said to me, ‘Attack this land and destroy it.’~”
\b
\p
\v 11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the royal spokesman, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:11 \ft \+xt Ezr 4:7; Dn 2:4\+xt*\f* since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 36:11 \ft Lit \fqa Judahite\ft , also in v.~13\f* within earshot of the people who are on the wall.”
\p
\v 12 But the royal spokesman replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men who are sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?~”
\p
\v 13 Then the royal spokesman stood and called out loudly in Hebrew:
\pi Listen to the words of the great king, the king of Assyria!
\v 14 This is what the king says: “Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:14 \ft \+xt Is 37:10\+xt*\f* for he cannot rescue you.
\v 15 Don’t let Hezekiah persuade you to rely on the \nd Lord\nd*, saying, ‘The \nd Lord\nd* will certainly rescue us! This city will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.’~”
\b
\pi
\v 16 Don’t listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: “Make peace~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 36:16 \ft Lit \fqa a blessing\f* with me and surrender to me. Then every one of you may eat from his own vine and his own fig tree~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:16 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:25; Mc 4:4; Zch 3:10\+xt*\f* and drink water from his own cistern
\v 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land~#—~#a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
\v 18 Beware that Hezekiah does not mislead you by saying, ‘The \nd Lord\nd* will rescue us.’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:18 \ft \+xt Is 37:10\+xt*\f* Has any one of the gods of the nations~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:18 \ft \+xt 1Ch 5:25; Is 37:12\+xt*\f* rescued his land from the power of the king of Assyria?
\v 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:19 \ft \+xt Is 10:9–11; 37:11–13; Jr 49:23\+xt*\f* Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my power?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:19 \ft \+xt 2Kg 17:6\+xt*\f*
\v 20 Who among all the gods of these lands ever rescued his land from my power? So will the \nd Lord\nd* rescue Jerusalem from my power?~”
\b
\p
\v 21 But they kept silent; they didn’t say anything, for the king’s command was, “Don’t answer him.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 36:21 \ft \+xt Pr 26:4\+xt*\f*
\v 22 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and reported to him the words of the royal spokesman.
\c 37
\s1 Hezekiah Seeks Isaiah’s Counsel
\m
\v 1 When King Hezekiah heard their report,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:1–35 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:1–34\+xt*\f* he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:1 \ft \+xt Gn 37:34; 2Sm 3:31; 1Kg 21:27; Is 3:24\+xt*\f* and went to the \nd Lord\nd*’s temple.
\v 2 He sent Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the court secretary, and the leading priests, who were covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.
\v 3 They said to him, “This is what Hezekiah says: ‘Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:3 \ft \+xt Is 22:5; 26:16; 33:2; Nah 1:7; Hab 3:16\+xt*\f* It is as if children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to deliver them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:3 \ft \+xt Is 26:17–18; 66:9; Hs 13:13\+xt*\f*
\v 4 Perhaps the \nd Lord\nd* your God will hear all the words of the royal spokesman, whom his master the king of Assyria sent to mock the living God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:4 \ft \+xt Dt 5:26; 1Sm 17:26,36; Jr 10:10\+xt*\f* and will rebuke him for the words that the \nd Lord\nd* your God has heard. Therefore offer a prayer for the surviving remnant.’~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:4 \ft \+xt Is 1:9; 46:3\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,
\v 6 who said to them, “Tell your master, ‘The \nd Lord\nd* says this: Don’t be afraid~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:6 \ft \+xt Is 7:4; 35:4\+xt*\f* because of the words you have heard, with which the king of Assyria’s attendants have blasphemed me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:6 \ft \+xt Ps 44:7,13–16; Is 52:5; Rm 2:24\+xt*\f*
\v 7 I am about to put a spirit~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:7 \ft \+xt Nm 5:14; Is 19:14; Hs 4:12; Zch 13:2; 2Tm 1:7\+xt*\f* in him and he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:7 \ft \+xt Is 37:36–38\+xt*\f*
\s1 Sennacherib’s Letter
\m
\v 8 When the royal spokesman heard that the king of Assyria had pulled out of Lachish,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:8 \ft \+xt Jos 10:31–32\+xt*\f* he left and found him fighting against Libnah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:8 \ft \+xt Nm 33:20; Jos 10:29\+xt*\f*
\v 9 The king had heard concerning King Tirhakah of Cush,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:9 \ft \+xt Is 18:1; 20:5\+xt*\f* “He has set out to fight against you.” So when he heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
\v 10 “Say this to King Hezekiah of Judah: ‘Don’t let your God, on whom you rely, deceive you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:10 \ft \+xt Is 36:14–15\+xt*\f* by promising that Jerusalem won’t be handed over to the king of Assyria.
\v 11 Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries: they completely destroyed them. Will you be rescued?
\v 12 Did the gods of the nations~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:12 \ft \+xt Is 36:18\+xt*\f* that my predecessors destroyed rescue them~#—~#Gozan,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:12 \ft \+xt 2Kg 17:6; 18:11\+xt*\f* Haran,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:12 \ft \+xt Gn 11:31; 12:1–4; Ac 7:2\+xt*\f* Rezeph, and the Edenites in Telassar?
\v 13 Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 37:13 \ft Or \fqa king of Lair\ft ,\f* Sepharvaim, Hena, or Ivvah?~’~”
\s1 Hezekiah’s Prayer
\m
\v 14 Hezekiah took the letter from the messengers’ hands, read it, then went up to the \nd Lord\nd*’s temple and spread it out before the \nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:14 \ft \+xt Dt 22:17; 1Kg 8:22; Ezk 2:10\+xt*\f*
\v 15 Then Hezekiah prayed~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:15 \ft \+xt 2Ch 32:20\+xt*\f* to the \nd Lord\nd*:
\pi
\v 16 \nd Lord\nd* of Armies, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:16 \ft \+xt Ex 25:22; Nm 7:89; 1Sm 4:4; 2Sm 6:2; Ps 80:1; 99:1\+xt*\f* you are God~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:16 \ft \+xt Dt 10:17; 2Sm 7:28; Ps 86:10; 90:2; 136:2–3\+xt*\f*~#—~#you alone~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:16 \ft \+xt 1Kg 8:39; Neh 9:6; Ps 4:8; 83:18; 86:10; Rv 15:4\+xt*\f*~#—~#of all the kingdoms of the earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:16 \ft \+xt 2Ch 36:20; Ps 68:32; Rv 11:15\+xt*\f* You made the heavens and the earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:16 \ft \+xt Ex 20:11; Neh 9:6; Ps 146:6; Ac 4:24\+xt*\f*
\v 17 Listen closely, \nd Lord\nd*, and hear;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:17 \ft \+xt 2Ch 6:40; Ps 17:6; Dn 9:18\+xt*\f* open your eyes, \nd Lord\nd*, and see.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:17 \ft \+xt Is 42:5; 45:12; Jr 10:12\+xt*\f* Hear all the words that Sennacherib has sent to mock the living God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:17 \ft \+xt Is 37:4\+xt*\f*
\v 18 \nd Lord\nd*, it is true that the kings of Assyria have devastated all these countries and their lands.
\v 19 They have thrown their gods into the fire, for they were not gods~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:19 \ft \+xt Dt 32:17; 2Ch 13:9; Jr 2:11; 5:7; 16:20; Hs 8:6; Ac 19:26; Gl 4:8\+xt*\f* but made from wood and stone~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:19 \ft \+xt Dt 4:28; 28:36,64; 29:17; Ezk 20:32\+xt*\f* by human hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:19 \ft \+xt Is 2:8,20; 17:8; 31:7; 41:24,29; 44:9–20; 46:6\+xt*\f* So they have destroyed them.
\v 20 Now, \nd Lord\nd* our God, save us from his power so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, \nd Lord\nd*, are God~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 37:20 \fq are God \ft supplied for clarity; see v. 16\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:20 \ft \+xt Jos 4:24; 1Kg 8:60; 20:13; Is 45:3,6\+xt*\f*~#—~#you alone.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:20 \ft \+xt Is 37:16\+xt*\f*
\s1 God’s Answer through Isaiah
\m
\v 21 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “The \nd Lord\nd*, the God of Israel, says, ‘Because you prayed to me about King Sennacherib of Assyria,
\v 22 this is the word the \nd Lord\nd* has spoken against him:
\q Virgin Daughter~Zion~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:22 \ft \+xt Lm 2:13; Is 1:8; 3:16–17; 4:4; 52:2; 62:11\+xt*\f*
\q despises you and~scorns~you;
\q Daughter Jerusalem shakes~her~head~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:22 \ft \+xt Jb 16:4; Ps 22:7; 109:25; Jr 18:16; Lm 2:15\+xt*\f*
\q behind your~back.
\q1
\v 23 Who is it you have mocked~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:23 \ft \+xt Ps 74:10,18; Is 37:4; Gl 6:7\+xt*\f* and~blasphemed?
\q Against whom have you raised your~voice
\q and lifted your eyes in~pride?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:23 \ft \+xt Is 2:11; 5:15,21\+xt*\f*
\q Against the Holy One of~Israel!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:23 \ft \+xt Gn 12:3; Ex 23:22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 24 You have mocked the~Lord through~your~servants.
\q You have said, “With my many~chariots~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:24 \ft \+xt Ex 14:26–28; 15:4,19; Dt 20:1; Jos 11:4–9; 2Ch 16:8; Ps 68:17\+xt*\f*
\q I have gone up to~the~heights of~the~mountains,
\q to the far recesses of~Lebanon.
\q I cut down its~tallest~cedars,
\q its choice cypress~trees.
\q I came to its~distant~heights,
\q its densest forest.
\q1
\v 25 I dug wells and~drank~water in foreign lands.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 37:25 \ft DSS, 2Kg 19:24; MT omits \fqa in foreign lands\f*
\q I dried up all~the~streams of~Egypt
\q with the soles of~my~feet.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:25 \ft \+xt Dt 11:10; 1Kg 20:10\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 26 Have you not heard?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:26 \ft \+xt Is 40:21,28\+xt*\f*
\q I designed it long~ago;
\q I planned it in~days gone~by.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:26 \ft \+xt Is 5:19; 10:5–6; 14:24–26; 22:11; 46:11; Jr 18:11; Ac 2:23; 4:27–28; 1Pt 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q I have now brought~it to~pass,
\q and you have crushed fortified~cities~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:26 \ft \+xt Is 34:13\+xt*\f*
\q into piles of~rubble.
\q1
\v 27 Their inhabitants have become~powerless,
\q dismayed, and~ashamed.
\q They are plants of~the~field,
\q tender grass,
\q grass on~the~rooftops,
\q blasted by~the~east~wind.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 37:27 \ft DSS; MT reads \fqa rooftops, field before standing grain\f*
\b
\q1
\v 28 But I know your~sitting~down,
\q your going out and~your~coming~in,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:28 \ft \+xt Ps 139:1\+xt*\f*
\q and your raging against~me.
\q1
\v 29 Because your~raging against~me
\q and your arrogance have~reached my~ears,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:29 \ft \+xt Is 10:12\+xt*\f*
\q I will put my hook in~your~nose~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:29 \ft \+xt Ezk 19:9; 29:4; 38:4\+xt*\f*
\q and my bit in~your~mouth;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:29 \ft \+xt Is 30:28\+xt*\f*
\q I will make you go~back
\q the way you~came.
\b
\p
\v 30 “~‘This will be the sign for you:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:30 \ft \+xt Ex 3:12; 1Sm 2:34; 1Kg 13:3; Is 7:14; 38:7; Jr 44:29; Lk 2:12\+xt*\f* This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what grows from that. But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
\v 31 The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:31 \ft \+xt Is 27:6\+xt*\f* downward and bear fruit upward.
\v 32 For a remnant~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:32 \ft \+xt Ezr 9:14; Is 10:20–22\+xt*\f* will go out from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies will accomplish this.’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:32 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:31; Is 9:7; 59:17; Jl 2:18; Zch 1:14\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 33 “Therefore, this is what the \nd Lord\nd* says about the king of Assyria:
\q He will not enter this~city,
\q shoot an~arrow~here,
\q come before it with~a~shield,
\q or build up a~siege~ramp against~it.
\q1
\v 34 He will go~back
\q the way~he~came,
\q and he will not enter this~city.
\qm This is the \nd Lord\nd*’s declaration.
\q1
\v 35 I will defend this~city and~rescue~it
\q for my sake~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:35 \ft \+xt Is 43:25; 48:9,11\+xt*\f*
\q and for the sake of my~servant~David.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:35 \ft \+xt 1Kg 11:13,32–38; 2Kg 20:6; Ezk 34:23\+xt*\f*
\s1 Defeat and Death of Sennacherib
\m
\v 36 Then~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:36–38 \ft \+xt 2Kg 19:35–37; 2Ch 32:21\+xt*\f* the angel of the \nd Lord\nd*~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:36 \ft \+xt Gn 16:7–11; Ex 3:2; Nm 22:22–35; Jdg 6:11–12; 2Sm 24:16; Ps 34:7\+xt*\f* went out and struck down one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!
\v 37 So King Sennacherib of Assyria broke camp and left. He returned home and lived in Nineveh.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:37 \ft \+xt Gn 10:11; Jnh 1:2; 3:3; 4:11; Zph 2:13\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 38 One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:38 \ft \+xt Gn 8:4; Jr 51:27\+xt*\f* Then his son Esar-haddon~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 37:38 \ft \+xt Ezr 4:2\+xt*\f* became king in his place.
\c 38
\s1 Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
\m
\v 1 In those days Hezekiah became terminally ill.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:1–8 \ft \+xt 2Kg 20:1–6,9–11; 2Ch 32:24\+xt*\f* The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came and said to him, “This is what the \nd Lord\nd* says: ‘Set your house in order,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:1 \ft \+xt 2Sm 17:23\+xt*\f* for you are about to die; you will not recover.’~”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 38:1 \ft Lit \fqa live\f*
\p
\v 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the \nd Lord\nd*.
\v 3 He said, “Please, \nd Lord\nd*, remember how I have walked before you faithfully and wholeheartedly,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:3 \ft \+xt Gn 17:1; 1Kg 2:4; 3:6; 8:23; 2Kg 18:5–6; Ps 26:3\+xt*\f* and have done what pleases you.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:3 \ft \+xt Dt 6:18\+xt*\f* And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
\p
\v 4 Then the word of the \nd Lord\nd* came to Isaiah:
\v 5 “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the \nd Lord\nd* God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I am going to add fifteen years to your life.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 38:5 \ft Lit \fqa days\ft , also in v.~10\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:5 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:2,13\+xt*\f*
\v 6 And I will rescue you and this city from the grasp of the king of Assyria; I will defend this city.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:6 \ft \+xt Is 31:5; 37:35\+xt*\f*
\v 7 This is the sign to you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:7 \ft \+xt Is 37:30\+xt*\f* from the \nd Lord\nd* that he will do what he has promised:
\v 8 I am going to make the sun’s shadow that goes down on the stairway of Ahaz go back by ten steps.’~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:8 \ft \+xt Jos 10:12–14\+xt*\f* So the sun’s shadow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 38:8 \ft Lit \fqa And the sun\f* went back the ten steps it had descended.
\p
\v 9 A poem by King Hezekiah of Judah after he had been sick and had recovered from his illness:
\q1
\v 10 I said: In the prime~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 38:10 \ft Lit \fqa quiet\f* of~my~life~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:10 \ft \+xt Ps 102:24\+xt*\f*
\q I must go to~the~gates of~Sheol;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:10 \ft \+xt Ps 107:18\+xt*\f*
\q I am deprived of the~rest of~my~years.
\q1
\v 11 I said: I will never see the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q the \nd Lord\nd* in the land of~the~living;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:11 \ft \+xt Ps 27:13; 116:9\+xt*\f*
\q I will not look on~humanity any~longer
\q with the inhabitants of~what is passing~away.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 38:11 \ft Some Hb mss, Tg read \fqa of the world\f*
\q1
\v 12 My dwelling is plucked up and~removed from~me
\q like a shepherd’s tent.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:12 \ft \+xt 2Co 5:1,4; 2Pt 1:13–14\+xt*\f*
\q I have rolled up my~life like~a~weaver;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:12 \ft \+xt Jb 7:6; Heb 1:12\+xt*\f*
\q he cuts me off from~the~loom.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:12 \ft \+xt Jb 6:9\+xt*\f*
\q By nightfall~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 38:12 \ft Lit \fqa From day until night\ft , also in v.~13\f* you make an end of~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:12 \ft \+xt Jb 4:20; Ps 73:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 I thought until~the~morning:
\q He will break all~my~bones like~a~lion.
\q By nightfall you make an end of~me.
\q1
\v 14 I chirp like~a~swallow or~a~crane;
\q I moan like~a~dove.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:14 \ft \+xt Is 59:11; Ezk 7:16; Nah 2:7\+xt*\f*
\q My eyes grow weak looking~upward.
\q Lord, I am oppressed; support~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:14 \ft \+xt Jb 17:3; Ps 119:122\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 15 What can I say?
\q He has spoken to~me,
\q and he himself has~done~it.
\q I walk along slowly all~my~years~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:15 \ft \+xt 1Kg 21:27\+xt*\f*
\q because of the bitterness of~my~soul.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:15 \ft \+xt 1Sm 1:10; Ezk 27:31; Jb 3:20; 7:11; 10:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 Lord, by such things people~live,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:16 \ft \+xt Ps 119:71,75\+xt*\f*
\q and in every one of them my spirit finds~life;
\q you have restored me to~health~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:16 \ft \+xt Ps 39:13\+xt*\f*
\q and let me live.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:16 \ft \+xt Ps 119:25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 Indeed, it was for my~own~well-being
\q that I had such~intense~bitterness;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:17 \ft \+xt Heb 12:11\+xt*\f*
\q but your love has~delivered~me
\q from the Pit of~destruction,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:17 \ft \+xt Jb 33:18,30; Ps 103:4; 106:23; Ezk 20:17; Jnh 2:6\+xt*\f*
\q for you have thrown all~my~sins behind~your~back.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:17 \ft \+xt Is 43:25; Jr 31:34; Mc 7:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 For Sheol cannot thank~you;
\q Death cannot praise~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:18 \ft \+xt Ps 6:5; 30:9; 88:10–12; 115:17\+xt*\f*
\q Those who go down to~the~Pit
\q cannot hope for~your~faithfulness.
\q1
\v 19 The living, only~the~living can~thank~you,
\q as I do today;
\q a father will make your~faithfulness known to~children.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:19 \ft \+xt Dt 6:7; 11:19; Ps 78:5–7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 The \nd Lord\nd* is ready to~save~me;
\q we will play stringed~instruments
\q all the days of~our~lives
\q at the house of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:20 \ft \+xt Ps 23:6; 116:17–19\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 21 Now Isaiah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 38:21–22 \ft \+xt 2Kg 20:7–8\+xt*\f* had said, “Let them take a lump of pressed figs and apply it to his infected skin, so that he may recover.”
\v 22 And Hezekiah had asked, “What is the sign that I will go up to the \nd Lord\nd*’s temple?~”
\c 39
\s1 Hezekiah’s Folly
\m
\v 1 At that time~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 39:1–8 \ft \+xt 2Kg 20:12–19; 2Ch 32:31\+xt*\f* Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah since he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.
\v 2 Hezekiah was pleased with the letters, and he showed the envoys his treasure house~#—~#the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil~#—~#and all his armory, and everything that was found in his treasuries.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 39:2 \ft \+xt 2Kg 18:15–16\+xt*\f* There was nothing in his palace and in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 39:2 \ft \+xt 2Ch 32:25\+xt*\f*
\p
\v 3 Then the prophet Isaiah came to King Hezekiah and asked him, “What did these men say, and where did they come to you from?~”
\p Hezekiah replied, “They came to me from a distant country, from Babylon.”
\p
\v 4 Isaiah asked, “What have they seen in your palace?~”
\p Hezekiah answered, “They have seen everything in my palace. There isn’t anything in my treasuries that I didn’t show them.”
\p
\v 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 39:5 \ft \+xt Is 28:14; Zch 7:4; 8:1,18\+xt*\f*
\v 6 ‘Look, the days are coming when everything in your palace and all that your predecessors have stored up until today will be carried off to Babylon; nothing will be left,’ says the \nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 39:6 \ft \+xt 2Kg 24:13; 25:13–15; Jr 20:5\+xt*\f*
\v 7 ‘Some of your descendants~#—~#who come from you, whom you father~#—~#will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’~”
\p
\v 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the \nd Lord\nd* that you have spoken is good,” for he thought: There will be peace and security during my lifetime.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 39:8 \ft \+xt 2Ch 32:26\+xt*\f*
\c 40
\s1 God’s People Comforted
\q1
\v 1 “Comfort, comfort my~people,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:1 \ft \+xt Is 12:1; 49:13; 51:3,12; 52:9; 61:2; 66:13; Jr 31:10–14; Zph 3:14–17; 2Co 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q says your God.
\q1
\v 2 “Speak tenderly to~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 40:2 \ft Lit \fqa Speak to the heart of\f*~Jerusalem,
\q and announce to~her
\q that her time of hard~service is~over,
\q her iniquity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:2 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* has been pardoned,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:2 \ft \+xt Lv 26:41,43; Is 27:9\+xt*\f*
\q and she has received from~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~hand
\q double for all~her~sins.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:2 \ft \+xt Ex 22:7–8; Jr 16:18; Zch 9:12; Rv 18:6\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 3 A voice of one crying out:
\q Prepare the way of~the~\nd Lord\nd* in~the~wilderness;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:3 \ft \+xt Mal 3:1; 4:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q make a straight highway for~our~God in~the~desert.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:3 \ft \+xt Mt 3:3; Mk 1:3; Lk 3:4; Jn 1:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Every valley will~be lifted~up,
\q and every mountain and~hill will~be~leveled;
\q the uneven ground will~become~smooth
\q and the rough places, a~plain.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:4–5 \ft \+xt Lk 3:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 And the glory of~the~\nd Lord\nd* will~appear,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:5 \ft \+xt Is 35:2\+xt*\f*
\q and all humanity~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 40:5 \ft Lit \fqa flesh\f* together will~see~it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:5 \ft \+xt Is 52:10; Jl 2:28\+xt*\f*
\q for the mouth of~the~\nd Lord\nd* has~spoken.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:5 \ft \+xt Is 1:20; 34:16; 58:14\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 6 A voice was saying, “Cry~out!~”
\q Another said,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 40:6 \ft DSS, LXX, Vg read \fqa I said\f* “What~should~I~cry~out?~”
\q “All humanity is~grass,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:6–8 \ft \+xt 1Pt 1:24–25\+xt*\f*
\q and all its goodness is like~the~flower of~the~field.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:6 \ft \+xt Jb 14:2; Ps 102:11; 103:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 The grass withers, the~flowers~fade
\q when the breath~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 40:7 \ft Or \fqa wind\ft , or \fqa Spirit\f* of~the~\nd Lord\nd* blows on~them;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 40:7 \ft Lit \fqa it\f*
\q indeed, the people are~grass.
\q1
\v 8 The grass withers, the~flowers~fade,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:8 \ft \+xt Jms 1:11\+xt*\f*
\q but the word of~our~God remains~forever.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:8 \ft \+xt Is 55:11; 59:21; Mk 13:31; Lk 21:33\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 9 Zion, herald of~good~news,
\q go up on a~high~mountain.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:9 \ft \+xt Is 52:7\+xt*\f*
\q Jerusalem, herald of~good~news,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:9 \ft \+xt Is 61:1\+xt*\f*
\q raise your~voice~loudly.
\q Raise it, do~not be~afraid!
\q Say to the cities of~Judah,
\q “Here is your~God!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:9 \ft \+xt Is 25:9; 35:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 See, the Lord \nd God\nd* comes with~strength,
\q and his power establishes his~rule.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:10 \ft \+xt Is 59:16–18\+xt*\f*
\q His wages are with~him,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:10 \ft \+xt Is 62:11; Rv 22:12\+xt*\f*
\q and his reward accompanies~him.
\q1
\v 11 He protects his~flock like~a~shepherd;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:11 \ft \+xt Jr 31:10; Ezk 34:12–14,23,31; Mc 5:4; Jn 10:11,14–16\+xt*\f*
\q he gathers the~lambs in~his~arms
\q and carries them in~the~fold of~his~garment.
\q He gently leads those that~are~nursing.
\b
\q1
\v 12 Who has measured the~waters in~the~hollow of~his~hand
\q or marked off the~heavens with~the~span of~his~hand?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:12 \ft \+xt Is 48:13; Heb 1:10–12\+xt*\f*
\q Who has gathered the~dust of~the~earth in~a~measure
\q or weighed the~mountains on~a~balance
\q and the hills on~the~scales?
\q1
\v 13 Who has directed~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 40:13 \ft Or \fqa measured\ft , or \fqa comprehended\f* the~Spirit of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q or who gave him~counsel?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:13 \ft \+xt Rm 11:34; 1Co 2:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 Who did he consult?
\q Who gave him understanding~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:14 \ft \+xt Jb 21:22; Col 2:3\+xt*\f*
\q and taught him the~paths of~justice?
\q Who taught him knowledge
\q and showed him the~way of~understanding?
\q1
\v 15 Look, the nations are like~a~drop in~a~bucket;
\q they are considered as~a~speck of~dust on the~scales;
\q he lifts up the~islands like~fine~dust.
\q1
\v 16 Lebanon’s cedars are not enough for~fuel,
\q or its animals enough for~a~burnt~offering.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:16 \ft \+xt Ps 50:9–11; Mc 6:6–7; Heb 10:5–9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 All the nations are as~nothing before~him;
\q they are considered by~him
\q as empty nothingness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:17 \ft \+xt Is 29:7\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 18 With whom will you compare~God?
\q What likeness will you set up for comparison with him?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:18 \ft \+xt Ex 8:10; 15:11; 1Sm 2:2; Is 40:25; 46:5; Mc 7:18; Ac 17:29\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 An idol?~#—~#something~that a~smelter~casts
\q and a metalworker plates with~gold
\q and makes silver chains for?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:19 \ft \+xt Is 2:20; 30:22; 41:7; 44:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 A poor person contributes wood for a~pedestal
\q that will~not~rot.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 40:20 \ft Or \fqa who is too poor for such an offering\ft , or \fqa who chooses mulberry wood as a votive gift\ft ; Hb obscure\f*
\q He looks for a~skilled~craftsman
\q to set up an idol that will~not fall~over.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:20 \ft \+xt 1Sm 5:3; Is 44:9–15; 46:6–7; Jr 10:3–5\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 21 Do you not know?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:21 \ft \+xt Ps 19:1; 50:6; Is 37:26; Ac 14:17; Rm 1:19–20\+xt*\f*
\q Have you not heard?
\q Has it not been declared to~you
\q from the beginning?
\q Have you not considered
\q the foundations of~the~earth?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:21 \ft \+xt Is 48:13; 51:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 God is enthroned above the~circle of~the~earth;
\q its inhabitants are like~grasshoppers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:22 \ft \+xt Nm 13:33\+xt*\f*
\q He stretches out the~heavens like~thin~cloth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:22 \ft \+xt Jb 9:8; Is 37:16; 42:5; 44:24\+xt*\f*
\q and spreads them out like~a~tent to~live~in.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:22 \ft \+xt Jb 36:29; Ps 18:11; 19:4; 104:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 23 He reduces princes to~nothing~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:23 \ft \+xt Jb 12:21; Ps 107:40; Is 34:12\+xt*\f*
\q and makes judges of~the~earth like a wasteland.
\q1
\v 24 They are barely planted, barely~sown,
\q their stem hardly takes root in~the~ground
\q when he blows on them and~they~wither,
\q and a whirlwind carries them away like~stubble.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:24 \ft \+xt Ps 1:4; Is 41:2,16; 64:6; Ezk 17:10,24; Nah 1:4\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 25 “To whom will you compare~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:25 \ft \+xt Is 46:5; Ac 17:29\+xt*\f*
\q or who is my equal?~” asks~the~Holy~One.
\q1
\v 26 Look up and~see!
\q Who created~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:26 \ft \+xt Is 42:5; 48:12–13\+xt*\f* these?
\q He brings out the~stars by~number;
\q he calls all of them by~name.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:26 \ft \+xt Ps 147:4–5\+xt*\f*
\q Because of his~great~power and~strength,
\q not one of them is~missing.
\b
\q1
\v 27 Jacob, why do you~say,
\q and Israel, why do you~assert,
\q “My way is hidden from~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q and my claim is ignored by~my~God”?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:27 \ft \+xt Is 7:13; 49:4,14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 28 Do you not~know?
\q Have you not~heard?
\q The \nd Lord\nd* is the~everlasting~God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:28 \ft \+xt Gn 21:33; Ps 90:2\+xt*\f*
\q the Creator of~the~whole~earth.
\q He never becomes faint or~weary;
\q there is no limit to~his~understanding.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:28 \ft \+xt Ps 147:5; Rm 11:33\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 29 He gives strength to~the~faint
\q and strengthens the~powerless.
\q1
\v 30 Youths may become faint and~weary,
\q and young men stumble and~fall,
\q1
\v 31 but those who trust in~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q will renew their~strength;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:31 \ft \+xt Jb 17:9; Ps 103:5; 2Co 4:8–10,16; 12:9\+xt*\f*
\q they will soar on wings like~eagles;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 40:31 \ft \+xt Ex 19:4; Dt 32:11; Lk 18:1; 2Co 4:1,16; Gl 6:9; Heb 12:3\+xt*\f*
\q they will run and~not become~weary,
\q they will walk and~not~faint.
\c 41
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd* versus the Nations’ Gods
\q1
\v 1 “Be silent before me, coasts and islands!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:1 \ft \+xt Is 11:11; Hab 2:20; Zch 2:13\+xt*\f*
\q And let peoples renew their~strength.
\q Let them approach; let~them~testify;
\q let’s come together for~the~trial.
\q1
\v 2 Who has stirred up someone from~the~east?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:2 \ft \+xt Is 41:25; 45:1–3; 46:11; Rv 16:12\+xt*\f*
\q In righteousness he calls him to serve.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 41:2 \ft Or \fqa Righteousness calls him to serve\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 41:2 \ft Lit \fqa to his foot\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:2 \ft \+xt Is 42:6\+xt*\f*
\q The \nd Lord\nd* hands nations over to~him,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:2 \ft \+xt 2Ch 36:23; Ezr 1:2\+xt*\f*
\q and he subdues kings.
\q He makes them like~dust with~his~sword,
\q like wind-driven stubble with~his~bow.
\q1
\v 3 He pursues them, going~on~safely,
\q hardly touching the path with~his~feet.
\q1
\v 4 Who has performed and~done~this,
\q calling the generations from~the~beginning?
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*, the first
\q and with the last~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:4 \ft \+xt Is 43:10; 44:6; Rv 1:8,17; 22:13\+xt*\f*~#—~#I~am~he.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:4 \ft \+xt Is 43:13; 46:4; 48:12\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 5 The coasts and islands see and~are~afraid,
\q the whole earth~trembles.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:5 \ft \+xt Ps 67:7\+xt*\f*
\q They approach and~arrive.
\q1
\v 6 Each one helps the~other,
\q and says to another, “Take~courage!~”
\q1
\v 7 The craftsman encourages the~metalworker;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:7 \ft \+xt Is 40:19\+xt*\f*
\q the one who flattens with~the~hammer
\q encourages the one who~strikes the~anvil,
\q saying of the soldering, “It~is~good.”
\q He fastens it with nails so~that it~will~not fall~over.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:7 \ft \+xt Is 40:20; 46:7\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 But you, Israel, my~servant,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:8 \ft \+xt Is 42:19; 43:10; 44:1–2,21; 45:4; 48:20; 49:3; 54:17; Ezk 28:25; 37:25; Lk 1:54\+xt*\f*
\q Jacob, whom~I~have~chosen,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:8 \ft \+xt Is 42:1; 43:10,20; 44:1–2; 45:4; 49:7; 65:9,15,22\+xt*\f*
\q descendant of Abraham, my~friend~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:8 \ft \+xt 2Ch 20:7; Jms 2:23\+xt*\f*~—
\q1
\v 9 I brought~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 41:9 \ft Or \fqa seized\f* you from~the~ends of~the~earth
\q and called you from~its~farthest~corners.
\q I said to you: You~are my~servant;
\q I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:9 \ft \+xt Is 43:5–7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Do not fear, for~I~am with~you;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:10 \ft \+xt Gn 26:24; 28:15; Is 43:5; Jr 1:19; 15:20; 42:11\+xt*\f*
\q do not be afraid, for~I~am your~God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:10 \ft \+xt Ezk 34:31\+xt*\f*
\q I will strengthen you; I~will help~you;
\q I will hold on to you with~my~righteous right~hand.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:10 \ft \+xt Ex 15:6,12; Ps 18:35; 48:10; 63:8; 138:7; 139:10\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 11 Be sure that all who~are~enraged against~you
\q will be ashamed and~disgraced;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:11 \ft \+xt Is 45:24\+xt*\f*
\q those who contend with~you
\q will become as nothing and~will~perish.
\q1
\v 12 You will look for those who~contend with~you,
\q but you will~not find~them.
\q Those who war against~you
\q will become absolutely~nothing.
\q1
\v 13 For I am the \nd Lord\nd* your~God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:13 \ft \+xt Is 43:3\+xt*\f*
\q who holds your right hand,
\q who says to you, “Do~not~fear,
\q I will help you.
\q1
\v 14 Do not fear, you~worm~Jacob,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:14 \ft \+xt Jb 25:6; Ps 22:6\+xt*\f*
\q you men~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 41:14 \ft LXX reads \fqa small number\ft ; DSS read \fqa dead ones\f* of~Israel.
\q I will help you”~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration.
\q Your Redeemer~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:14 \ft \+xt Is 43:14; 44:6,24; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7,26; 54:5,8; 59:20; 60:16; 63:16\+xt*\f* is the~Holy~One of~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:14 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 See, I will make you into~a~sharp~threshing~board,
\q new, with~many~teeth.
\q You will thresh mountains and~pulverize~them
\q and make hills into~chaff.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:15 \ft \+xt Mc 4:13; Hab 3:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 You will winnow~them~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:16 \ft \+xt Jr 51:2\+xt*\f*
\q and a wind will~carry~them~away,
\q a whirlwind will scatter them.
\q But you will rejoice in~the~\nd Lord\nd*;
\q you will boast in~the~Holy~One of~Israel.
\b
\q1
\v 17 The poor and the needy seek~water, but~there~is~none;
\q their tongues are parched with~thirst.
\q I will answer them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:17 \ft \+xt Is 43:20; 44:3; 49:10; 55:1\+xt*\f*
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*, the God of Israel. I will~not abandon~them.
\q1
\v 18 I will open rivers on~the~barren~heights,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:18 \ft \+xt Is 30:25\+xt*\f*
\q and springs in~the~middle of~the~plains.
\q I will turn the desert into~a~pool
\q and dry land into~springs.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:18 \ft \+xt Ps 107:35; Is 35:6–7; 43:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 I will plant cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive~trees
\q in the~wilderness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:19 \ft \+xt Is 35:1; 55:13; 60:13\+xt*\f*
\q I will put juniper, elm, and cypress~trees together
\q in the~desert,
\q1
\v 20 so that all may see and~know,
\q consider and~understand,
\q that the hand of~the~\nd Lord\nd* has~done~this,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:20 \ft \+xt Jb 12:9; Is 66:14\+xt*\f*
\q the Holy One of~Israel has~created~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:20 \ft \+xt Is 4:5\+xt*\f*~it.
\b
\q1
\v 21 “Submit your case,” says~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q “Present your arguments,” says~Jacob’s~King.
\q1
\v 22 “Let them come and~tell~us
\q what will happen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:22 \ft \+xt Is 44:7–8; 45:21; 46:10\+xt*\f*
\q Tell us the~past~events,
\q so that we may reflect on~them
\q and know the~outcome,
\q or tell us the~future.
\q1
\v 23 Tell us the~coming~events,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:23 \ft \+xt Is 42:9; 45:3; Jn 13:19\+xt*\f*
\q then we will know that~you~are~gods.
\q Indeed, do something~good or~bad,
\q then we will be in~awe~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 41:23 \ft DSS read \fqa we may hear\f* when we see it.
\q1
\v 24 Look, you are~nothing~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:24 \ft \+xt Ps 115:8; Is 44:9; 1Co 8:4\+xt*\f*
\q and your work is~worthless.
\q Anyone who chooses you is~detestable.
\b
\q1
\v 25 “I have stirred up one from~the~north,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:25 \ft \+xt Jr 50:3\+xt*\f* and~he~has~come,
\q one from the east~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:25 \ft \+xt Is 41:2; 46:11\+xt*\f* who~invokes my~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 41:25 \ft DSS read \fqa his\f*~name.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:25 \ft \+xt Ezr 1:2–4\+xt*\f*
\q He will march over~rulers as~if they~were~mud,
\q like a potter who~treads the~clay.
\q1
\v 26 Who told about~this from~the~beginning,
\q so that we~might~know,
\q and from times past,
\q so that we~might~say, ‘He~is~right’?
\q No one announced~it,
\q no one told~it,
\q no one heard your~words.
\q1
\v 27 I was the first to say to~Zion,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 41:27 \ft Lit \fqa First to Zion\f*
\q ‘Look! Here~they~are!~’
\q And I gave Jerusalem a herald with~good~news.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:27 \ft \+xt Is 40:9; 44:28; 52:7; Nah 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 28 When I look, there~is no~one;
\q there is no counselor among~them;
\q when I ask them, they~have nothing~to~say.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 41:28 \ft \+xt Is 46:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 29 Look, all of them are a~delusion;~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 41:29 \ft DSS, Syr read \fqa are nothing\f*
\q their works are~nonexistent;
\q their images are~wind and~emptiness.
\c 42
\s1 The Servant’s Mission
\q1
\v 1 “This~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:1–4 \ft \+xt Mt 12:18–21\+xt*\f* is my servant;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:1 \ft \+xt Is 49:3–7; 50:10\+xt*\f* I~strengthen~him,
\q this is my chosen one;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:1 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; Lk 9:35; 23:35; 1Pt 2:4,6\+xt*\f* I~delight in~him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:1 \ft \+xt Mt 3:17; 17:5; Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22; 2Pt 1:17\+xt*\f*
\q I have put my Spirit on~him;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:1 \ft \+xt Nm 11:16–17; 1Sm 16:13; Ps 33:6; 139:7; Is 11:2; 40:7; 59:21; Lk 4:18–21\+xt*\f*
\q he will bring justice~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 42:1 \ft DSS read \fqa his justice\f* to~the~nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:1 \ft \+xt Is 2:4; 51:4–5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 He will not cry out or~shout
\q or make his voice heard in~the~streets.
\q1
\v 3 He will not break a~bruised~reed,
\q and he will not put~out a~smoldering~wick;
\q he will faithfully bring~justice.
\q1
\v 4 He will not grow weak or~be~discouraged
\q until he has established justice on~earth.
\q The coasts and islands will wait for~his~instruction.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:4 \ft \+xt Is 11:11; 24:15; 42:10,12; 49:1; 51:5; 60:9; 66:19\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 5 This is what God, the \nd Lord\nd*,~says~—
\q who created the~heavens and~stretched them~out,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:5 \ft \+xt Ps 104:2; Is 40:22\+xt*\f*
\q who spread out the~earth and~what~comes from~it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:5 \ft \+xt Ps 136:6; Is 34:1\+xt*\f*
\q who gives breath to~the~people on~it
\q and spirit to those who~walk on~it~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:5 \ft \+xt Jb 12:10; 33:4; Is 57:16; Dn 5:23; Ac 17:25\+xt*\f*~—
\q1
\v 6 “I am the \nd Lord\nd*. I have~called~you
\q for a~righteous~purpose,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 42:6 \ft Or \fqa you by my righteousness\ft ; lit \fqa you in righteousness\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:6 \ft \+xt Is 5:7,16; 9:7; 11:4–5; 32:1; 41:2; 45:8,13; 51:5–8; 56:1; 60:21; Jr 23:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q and I will hold you by~your~hand.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:6 \ft \+xt Is 41:10,13\+xt*\f*
\q I will watch over you, and I will~appoint you
\q to be a covenant for~the~people~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:6 \ft \+xt Is 49:8\+xt*\f*
\q and a light to~the~nations,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:6 \ft \+xt Is 49:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 in order to open blind~eyes,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:7 \ft \+xt Ac 26:17–18\+xt*\f*
\q to bring out prisoners from~the~dungeon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:7 \ft \+xt Is 35:5; 49:9; 61:1; Heb 2:14–15\+xt*\f*
\q and those sitting in~darkness from~the~prison~house.
\q1
\v 8 I am the \nd Lord\nd*. That is my~name,
\q and I will not give my~glory to~another~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:8 \ft \+xt Ex 20:3–5; Is 48:11\+xt*\f*
\q or my praise to~idols.
\q1
\v 9 The past events have~indeed~happened.
\q Now I declare new~events;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:9 \ft \+xt Is 43:19; 48:3,6; Rv 21:4\+xt*\f*
\q I announce them to~you before~they~occur.”
\s1 A Song of Praise
\q1
\v 10 Sing a new song to~the~\nd Lord\nd*;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:10 \ft \+xt Ps 33:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9\+xt*\f*
\q sing his praise from~the~ends of~the~earth,
\q you who go down to~the~sea with~all that~fills~it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:10 \ft \+xt Ps 96:11; 98:7\+xt*\f*
\q you coasts and islands with~your~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 42:10 \ft Lit \fqa their\f*~inhabitants.
\q1
\v 11 Let the desert and~its~cities~shout,
\q the settlements where~Kedar~dwells cry~aloud.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:11 \ft \+xt Is 21:16; 60:7\+xt*\f*
\q Let the inhabitants of~Sela sing~for~joy;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:11 \ft \+xt Is 16:1\+xt*\f*
\q let them cry out from~the~mountaintops.
\q1
\v 12 Let them give glory to~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q and declare his praise in~the~coasts and~islands.
\q1
\v 13 The \nd Lord\nd* advances like~a~warrior;
\q he stirs up his zeal like~a~soldier.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:13 \ft \+xt Is 9:7; 26:11; 37:32; 59:17\+xt*\f*
\q He shouts, he~roars~aloud,
\q he prevails over~his~enemies.
\b
\q1
\v 14 “I have kept silent from~ages~past;
\q I have been quiet and~restrained~myself.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:14 \ft \+xt Ps 50:21; Is 57:11; 62:1; 64:12; 65:6\+xt*\f*
\q But now, I will groan like~a~woman in~labor,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:14 \ft \+xt Is 13:8\+xt*\f*
\q gasping breathlessly.
\q1
\v 15 I will lay waste mountains and~hills
\q and dry up all~their~vegetation.
\q I will turn rivers into~islands
\q and dry up marshes.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:15 \ft \+xt Is 44:27; 50:2; Nah 1:4–6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 I will lead the blind by~a~way they~did~not~know;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:16 \ft \+xt Is 29:18; 30:21; 32:3; Jr 31:8–9; Lk 1:78–79\+xt*\f*
\q I will guide them on~paths they~have~not~known.
\q I will turn darkness to~light in~front of~them~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:16 \ft \+xt Eph 5:8\+xt*\f*
\q and rough places into~level~ground.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:16 \ft \+xt Is 40:4; Lk 3:5\+xt*\f*
\q This is what I~will~do for~them,
\q and I will~not abandon~them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:16 \ft \+xt Jos 1:5; Ps 94:14; Is 41:17; Heb 13:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 They will be turned back and~utterly~ashamed~—
\q those who trust in~an~idol
\q and say to~a cast image,
\q ‘You are our~gods!~’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:17 \ft \+xt Ps 97:7; Is 1:29; 44:9,11; 45:16\+xt*\f*
\s1 Israel’s Blindness and Deafness
\q1
\v 18 “Listen, you~deaf!
\q Look, you blind, so~that you~may~see.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:18 \ft \+xt Is 35:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 Who is blind but~my~servant,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:19 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; 43:10; 44:1–2,21; 45:4; 48:20; 49:3; 54:17; Ezk 28:25; 37:25; Lk 1:54\+xt*\f*
\q or deaf like~my~messenger I~am~sending?
\q Who is blind like~my~dedicated~one,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 42:19 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q or blind like the~servant of~the~\nd Lord\nd*?
\q1
\v 20 Though seeing many~things,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 42:20 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa You see many things;\f* you~pay~no~attention.
\q Though his ears are~open, he~does~not~listen.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:20 \ft \+xt Rm 2:21–23\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 21 Because~of his~righteousness, the \nd Lord\nd* was pleased
\q to magnify his instruction and~make~it~glorious.
\q1
\v 22 But this is a people plundered and~looted,
\q all of them trapped in~holes
\q or imprisoned in~dungeons.
\q They have become~plunder~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:22 \ft \+xt Dt 1:39; Jr 2:14; Ezk 34:8; 36:4\+xt*\f*
\q with~no~one to~rescue~them
\q and loot, with~no~one~saying, “Give~it~back!~”
\q1
\v 23 Who among you will~hear~this?
\q Let him listen and~obey in~the~future.
\q1
\v 24 Who gave Jacob to~the~robber,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 42:24 \ft Lit \fqa to loot\f*
\q and Israel to~the~plunderers?
\q Was it not the~\nd Lord\nd*?
\q Have we not sinned against~him?
\q They were not willing to~walk in~his~ways,
\q and they would not listen to~his~instruction.
\q1
\v 25 So he poured out his~furious~anger
\q and the power of~war on~Jacob.
\q It surrounded him with~fire, but~he~did~not know~it;
\q it burned him, but he didn’t take it to heart.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 42:25 \ft \+xt Is 29:13; 47:7; 57:1; Jr 12:11; Hs 7:9\+xt*\f*
\c 43
\s1 Restoration of Israel
\q1
\v 1 Now this is what the \nd Lord\nd*~says~—
\q the one who created you,~Jacob,
\q and the one who formed you,~Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:1 \ft \+xt Is 43:7,15,21; 44:2,21,24\+xt*\f*~—
\q “Do not fear, for I have redeemed~you;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:1 \ft \+xt Is 44:22–23; 48:20\+xt*\f*
\q I have called you by your name; you~are~mine.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:1 \ft \+xt Gn 32:28; Is 45:3–4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 When you pass through the~waters,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:2 \ft \+xt Ps 66:12; Is 8:7–8\+xt*\f*
\q I will be with~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:2 \ft \+xt Dt 31:6,8,23; Jos 1:5; 3:7; Jr 1:8; 30:11; 46:28\+xt*\f*
\q and the~rivers will not overwhelm~you.
\q When you walk through the~fire,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:2 \ft \+xt Is 29:6; 30:27–29; Dn 3:25,27\+xt*\f*
\q you will not be~scorched,
\q and the flame will not burn~you.
\q1
\v 3 For I am the \nd Lord\nd* your~God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:3 \ft \+xt Ex 20:2; Is 41:13\+xt*\f*
\q the Holy One of Israel, and~your~Savior.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:3 \ft \+xt Is 19:20; 43:11; 45:15,21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8\+xt*\f*
\q I have given Egypt as~a~ransom for~you,
\q Cush and Seba in~your~place.
\q1
\v 4 Because you are precious in~my~sight~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:4 \ft \+xt 2Kg 1:13–14; Ps 36:7; 72:14; Pr 3:15; Is 28:16\+xt*\f*
\q and honored, and~I~love~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:4 \ft \+xt Is 63:9\+xt*\f*
\q I will give people in~exchange~for~you
\q and nations instead~of your~life.
\q1
\v 5 Do not fear, for~I~am~with~you;
\q I will bring your~descendants from~the~east,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:5 \ft \+xt Is 41:8; 61:9\+xt*\f*
\q and gather you from~the~west.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:5 \ft \+xt Is 49:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give~them~up!~’
\q and to the south, ‘Do~not~hold~them~back!~’
\q Bring my sons from~far~away,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:6 \ft \+xt 2Co 6:18\+xt*\f*
\q and my daughters from~the~ends of~the~earth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:6 \ft \+xt Is 45:22\+xt*\f*~—
\q1
\v 7 everyone who bears my~name
\q and is created for~my~glory.
\q I have formed them; indeed,~I~have~made~them.”
\b
\q1
\v 8 Bring out a people who~are~blind, yet~have~eyes,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:8 \ft \+xt Is 6:9; 42:19; Ezk 12:2\+xt*\f*
\q and are deaf, yet~have~ears.
\q1
\v 9 All the nations are~gathered~together,
\q and the peoples are~assembled.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:9 \ft \+xt Is 34:1; 41:1\+xt*\f*
\q Who among them can~declare~this,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:9 \ft \+xt Is 41:22–23,26\+xt*\f*
\q and tell us the~former~things?
\q Let them present their~witnesses
\q to vindicate themselves,
\q so that people may hear and~say, “It~is~true.”
\q1
\v 10 “You are my~witnesses”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:10 \ft \+xt Is 44:8; Ac 1:8\+xt*\f*~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration~—
\q “and my servant whom~I~have~chosen,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:10 \ft \+xt Is 41:8\+xt*\f*
\q so that you may know and~believe~me
\q and understand that~I~am~he.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:10 \ft \+xt Is 41:4\+xt*\f*
\q No god was formed before~me,
\q and there will be none after~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:10 \ft \+xt Is 44:6,8; 45:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 I~#—~#I am the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q Besides me, there is no~Savior.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:11 \ft \+xt Is 43:3; 45:21; Hs 13:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 I alone declared, saved, and~proclaimed~—
\q and not some foreign god~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 43:12 \ft Lit \fqa not a foreigner\f* among~you.
\q So you are my~witnesses”~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration~—
\q “and~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 43:12 \ft Or \fqa that\f* I am God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:12 \ft \+xt Ps 46:10; 50:7; Is 45:22; 46:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Also, from~today~on I~am~he~alone,
\q and none can rescue from~my~power.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:13 \ft \+xt Dt 32:39; Jn 10:28–29\+xt*\f*
\q I act, and who can reverse~it?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:13 \ft \+xt Jb 9:12; Is 14:27\+xt*\f*
\s1 God’s Deliverance of Rebellious Israel
\m
\v 14 This is what the \nd Lord\nd*, your Redeemer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:14 \ft \+xt Jb 19:25; Ps 19:14; 78:35; Pr 23:11; Is 41:14; Jr 50:34\+xt*\f* the Holy One of Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:14 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f* says:
\q Because of you, I~will~send an army~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 43:14 \fq an army \ft supplied for clarity\f* to~Babylon
\q and bring all~of~them as~fugitives,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 43:14 \ft Or \fqa will break down all their bars\f*
\q even the Chaldeans~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:14 \ft \+xt Is 23:13\+xt*\f* in~the~ships in~which they~rejoice.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 43:14 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q1
\v 15 I am the \nd Lord\nd*, your~Holy~One,
\q the Creator of~Israel, your~King.
\b
\q1
\v 16 This is what~the~\nd Lord\nd*~says~—
\q who makes a~way in~the~sea,
\q and a path through~raging~water,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:16 \ft \+xt Ex 14:21–22; Ps 77:19; Is 11:15; 44:27; 50:2; 51:10; 63:11–12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 who brings out the~chariot and~horse,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:17 \ft \+xt Ex 15:19\+xt*\f*
\q the army and~the~mighty~one~together
\q (they lie down, they~do~not rise~again;
\q they are extinguished, put out like~a~wick~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:17 \ft \+xt Ps 118:12; Is 1:31\+xt*\f*)~—
\q1
\v 18 “Do not remember the~past~events;
\q pay no attention to~things of~old.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:18 \ft \+xt Is 65:17; Jr 23:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 Look, I am about~to~do something~new;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:19 \ft \+xt Is 42:9; 48:6; 2Co 5:17\+xt*\f*
\q even now it is coming. Do~you~not~see~it?
\q Indeed, I will make a~way in~the~wilderness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:19 \ft \+xt Ex 17:6; Nm 20:11; Dt 8:15; Ps 78:16; Is 35:1,6; 41:18–19; 49:10; 51:3\+xt*\f*
\q rivers~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 43:19 \ft DSS read \fqa paths\f* in~the~desert.
\q1
\v 20 Wild animals~—
\q jackals and~ostriches~#—~#will honor~me,
\q because I provide water in~the~wilderness,
\q and rivers in~the~desert,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:20 \ft \+xt Is 41:17–18; 48:21\+xt*\f*
\q to give drink to~my~chosen~people.
\q1
\v 21 The people I formed for~myself
\q will declare my~praise.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:21 \ft \+xt Ps 102:18; Is 42:12; Lk 1:74–75; 1Pt 2:9\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 22 “But, Jacob, you have not called on~me,
\q because, Israel, you have become~weary of~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:22 \ft \+xt Mc 6:3; Mal 1:13; 3:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 23 You have not brought me your~sheep for~burnt~offerings
\q or honored me with~your~sacrifices.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:23 \ft \+xt Zch 7:5–6; Mal 1:6–8\+xt*\f*
\q I have not burdened you with~offerings
\q or wearied you with~incense.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 43:23 \ft I.e., with demands for offerings and incense\f*
\q1
\v 24 You have not bought me aromatic~cane with~silver,
\q or satisfied me with~the~fat of~your~sacrifices.
\q But you have burdened me with~your~sins;
\q you have wearied me~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:24 \ft \+xt Ps 95:10; Is 1:14; 7:13; Ezk 6:9; Mal 2:17\+xt*\f* with~your~iniquities.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:24 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 25 “I am the one, I sweep~away your~transgressions~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:25 \ft \+xt Is 44:22; 55:7; Jr 50:20; Heb 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q for my own sake~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:25 \ft \+xt Is 37:35; 48:9,11; Ezk 36:22\+xt*\f*
\q and remember your~sins no~more.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:25 \ft \+xt Is 38:17; Jr 31:34; Mk 2:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 26 Remind me. Let’s~argue the~case~together.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:26 \ft \+xt Is 1:18; 41:1; 50:8\+xt*\f*
\q Recount the facts, so~that you~may be~vindicated.
\q1
\v 27 Your first father sinned,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:27 \ft \+xt Is 51:2; Ezk 16:3\+xt*\f*
\q and your mediators have~rebelled against~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:27 \ft \+xt Is 9:15; 28:7; 29:10; Jr 5:31\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 28 So I defiled the~officers of~the~sanctuary,
\q and set Jacob apart for~destruction~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 43:28 \ft \+xt Is 24:6; 34:5; Jr 24:9; Dn 9:11; Zch 8:13\+xt*\f*
\q and Israel for~scorn.
\c 44
\s1 Spiritual Blessing
\q1
\v 1 “And now listen, Jacob~my~servant,
\q Israel whom I have chosen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:1 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; 42:1; 43:10,20; 45:4; 49:7; 65:9,15,22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 This is the~word of~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q your Maker, the one who~formed~you from~the~womb:
\q He will help~you.
\q Do not fear, Jacob~my~servant,
\q Jeshurun~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 44:2 \ft = Upright One\f* whom I have chosen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:2 \ft \+xt Dt 32:15; 33:5,26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 For I will pour water on the~thirsty~land
\q and streams on~the~dry~ground;
\q I will pour out my~Spirit~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:3 \ft \+xt Is 32:15; Jl 2:28\+xt*\f* on~your~descendants
\q and my blessing on~your~offspring.
\q1
\v 4 They will sprout among~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 44:4 \ft Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX read \fqa as among\f*~the~grass
\q like poplars by flowing~streams.
\q1
\v 5 This one will say, ‘I~am the~\nd Lord\nd*’s’;
\q another will use the~name of~Jacob;
\q still another will write on~his~hand, ‘The~\nd Lord\nd*’s,’
\q and take on~the~name of~Israel.”
\s1 No God Other Than the \nd Lord\nd*
\m
\v 6 This is what the \nd Lord\nd*, the King of Israel and its Redeemer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:6 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f* the \nd Lord\nd* of Armies, says:
\q I am the first and~I~am the~last.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:6 \ft \+xt Is 41:4; 43:10; 48:12; Rv 1:8,17; 22:13\+xt*\f*
\q There is no God but~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:6 \ft \+xt Is 43:11; 44:8; 45:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Who, like me, can~announce the~future?
\q Let him say so and~make a~case before~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:7 \ft \+xt Is 41:22,26\+xt*\f*
\q since I have established an~ancient~people.
\q Let these gods declare~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 44:7 \ft Lit \fqa declare them\ft —\f* the~coming~things,
\q and what will take place.
\q1
\v 8 Do not be~startled or~afraid.
\q Have I not told you and~declared~it long~ago?
\q You are my~witnesses!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:8 \ft \+xt Is 43:10\+xt*\f*
\q Is there any God but~me?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:8 \ft \+xt Dt 4:35,39; 1Sm 2:2; Is 45:5; Jl 2:27\+xt*\f*
\q There is no~other~Rock;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:8 \ft \+xt Is 17:10; 26:4; 30:29\+xt*\f* I~do~not~know~any.
\b
\q1
\v 9 All who make idols are~nothing,
\q and what they treasure benefits~no~one.
\q Their witnesses do~not~see or~know~anything,
\q so they will be put to~shame.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:9 \ft \+xt Ps 97:7; Is 42:17; 44:11; 45:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Who makes a god or~casts a~metal~image
\q that benefits no one?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:10 \ft \+xt Is 41:29; Jr 10:5; Hab 2:18; Ac 19:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 Look, all its worshipers will~be put~to~shame,
\q and the craftsmen are~humans.
\q They all will assemble and~stand;
\q they all will be startled and~put~to~shame.
\b
\q1
\v 12 The ironworker labors over~the~coals,
\q shapes the idol with~hammers,
\q and works it with~his~strong~arm.
\q Also he grows hungry and~his~strength~fails;
\q he doesn’t drink water and~is~faint.
\q1
\v 13 The woodworker stretches~out a~measuring~line,
\q he outlines it with~a~stylus;
\q he shapes it with~chisels
\q and outlines it with~a~compass.
\q He makes it according~to a~human~form,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:13 \ft \+xt Ps 115:5–7\+xt*\f*
\q like a beautiful person,
\q to dwell in~a~temple.
\q1
\v 14 He cuts down~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 44:14 \ft Lit \fqa To cut down for himself\f* cedars for~his~use,
\q or he takes a~cypress or~an~oak.
\q He lets it grow strong among~the~trees of~the~forest.
\q He plants a~laurel, and~the~rain makes~it~grow.
\q1
\v 15 A person can use it for~fuel.
\q He takes some of~it and~warms~himself;
\q also he kindles a~fire and~bakes~bread;
\q he even makes it into~a~god and~worships~it;
\q he makes an idol from it and~bows~down to~it.
\q1
\v 16 He burns half of~it in~a~fire,
\q and he roasts meat on~that~half.
\q He eats the roast and~is~satisfied.
\q He warms himself and~says,~“Ah!
\q I am warm, I see the~blaze.”
\q1
\v 17 He makes a god or~his~idol with~the~rest of~it.
\q He bows down to it and~worships;
\q he prays to it,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:17 \ft \+xt 1Kg 18:26,28; Is 45:20\+xt*\f* “Save me, for you are my~god.”
\q1
\v 18 Such people~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 44:18 \ft Lit \fqa They\f* do~not~comprehend
\q and cannot understand,
\q for he has shut their eyes~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 44:18 \ft Or \fqa for their eyes are shut\f* so~they~cannot~see,
\q and their minds so~they~cannot~understand.
\q1
\v 19 No one comes to his senses;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 44:19 \ft Lit \fqa No one returns to his heart\f*
\q no one has the~perception or~insight to~say,
\q “I burned half of~it in~the~fire,
\q I also baked bread on~its~coals,
\q I roasted meat and~ate.
\q Should I make something~detestable~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:19 \ft \+xt Dt 27:15; 1Kg 11:5,7; 2Kg 23:13–14\+xt*\f* with~the~rest of~it?
\q Should I bow down to~a~block of~wood?~”
\q1
\v 20 He feeds on~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 44:20 \ft Or \fqa He shepherds\f*~ashes.
\q His deceived mind has~led~him~astray,
\q and he cannot rescue~himself,
\q or say, “Isn’t there a~lie in~my~right~hand?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:20 \ft \+xt Is 57:11; 59:3–4,13; Rm 1:25\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 21 Remember these things, Jacob,
\q and Israel, for you are my~servant;
\q I formed you, you are my~servant;
\q Israel, you will never be~forgotten by~me.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 44:21 \ft DSS, LXX, Tg read \fqa Israel, do not forget me\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:21 \ft \+xt Is 49:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 I have swept away your~transgressions like~a~cloud,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:22 \ft \+xt Ps 51:1,9; Is 43:25; Ac 3:19\+xt*\f*
\q and your sins like~a~mist.
\q Return to me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:22 \ft \+xt Is 31:6; 55:7\+xt*\f*
\q for I have redeemed you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:22 \ft \+xt Is 43:1; 48:20; 1Co 6:20; 1Pt 1:18–19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 23 Rejoice, heavens,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:23 \ft \+xt Ps 69:34; 96:11–12; Is 42:10; 49:13\+xt*\f* for~the~\nd Lord\nd* has~acted;
\q shout, depths of~the~earth.
\q Break out into~singing,~mountains,
\q forest, and every tree in~it.
\q For the \nd Lord\nd* has~redeemed~Jacob,
\q and glorifies himself through~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:23 \ft \+xt Is 49:3; 61:3\+xt*\f*
\s1 Restoration of Israel through Cyrus
\m
\v 24 This is what the \nd Lord\nd*, your Redeemer~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:24 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f* who formed you from the womb,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:24 \ft \+xt Is 44:2\+xt*\f* says:
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*, who~made~everything;
\q who stretched out the~heavens by~myself;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:24 \ft \+xt Is 40:22; 42:5; 45:12,18; 51:13\+xt*\f*
\q who alone spread out the~earth;
\q1
\v 25 who destroys the~omens of~the~false~prophets
\q and makes fools of~diviners;
\q who confounds the~wise
\q and makes their~knowledge~foolishness;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:25 \ft \+xt 2Sm 15:31; Jb 5:12–14; Ps 33:10; Is 29:14; Jr 51:57; 1Co 1:20,27\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 26 who confirms the~message of~his~servant
\q and fulfills the~counsel of~his~messengers;
\q who says to~Jerusalem, “She~will be~inhabited,”
\q and to the cities of~Judah, “They~will be~rebuilt,”
\q and I will restore her~ruins;
\q1
\v 27 who says to the depths of~the~sea, “Be~dry,”
\q and I will dry up your~rivers;
\q1
\v 28 who says to~Cyrus,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:28 \ft \+xt Is 45:1\+xt*\f* “My~shepherd,
\q he will fulfill all~my~pleasure”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:28 \ft \+xt Eph 1:9\+xt*\f*
\q and says to Jerusalem, “She~will be~rebuilt,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 44:28 \ft \+xt 2Ch 36:22–23; Ezr 1:1; Is 14:32; 45:13; 54:11\+xt*\f*
\q and of the temple, “Its~foundation will~be~laid.”
\b
\c 45
\m
\v 1 The \nd Lord\nd* says this to~Cyrus, his~anointed,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:1 \ft \+xt Is 44:28\+xt*\f*
\q whose right hand I~have~grasped~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:1 \ft \+xt Ps 73:23; Is 41:13; 42:6\+xt*\f*
\q to subdue nations before~him
\q and disarm~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:1 \ft Lit \fqa unloosen the waist of\f*~kings,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:1 \ft \+xt Jb 12:21; Is 45:5\+xt*\f*
\q to open doors before~him,
\q and even city gates will~not be~shut:
\q1
\v 2 “I will go before~you
\q and level the~uneven~places;~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 45:2 \ft DSS, LXX read \fqa the mountains\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:2 \ft \+xt Is 40:4\+xt*\f*
\q I will shatter the~bronze~doors
\q and cut the~iron~bars in~two.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:2 \ft \+xt Ps 107:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 I will give you the~treasures of~darkness
\q and riches from~secret~places,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:3 \ft \+xt Jr 41:8; 50:37\+xt*\f*
\q so that you may know that~I am the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q I am the God of Israel, who calls~you by~your~name.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:3 \ft \+xt Ex 33:12,17; Is 43:1; 49:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 I call you by~your~name,
\q for the sake of my~servant Jacob~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:4 \ft \+xt Is 41:8; 42:19\+xt*\f*
\q and Israel my~chosen~one.
\q I give a name to~you,
\q though you do not know~me.
\q1
\v 5 I am the \nd Lord\nd*, and~there~is no~other;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:5 \ft \+xt Is 45:6,14,18,21; 46:9\+xt*\f*
\q there is no God but~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:5 \ft \+xt Is 44:6,8\+xt*\f*
\q I will strengthen~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:5 \ft Lit \fqa gird\f* you,
\q though you do not know~me,
\q1
\v 6 so that all may know from~the~rising of~the~sun to~its~setting
\q that there is no~one but~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:6 \ft \+xt Ps 102:15; Is 37:20; Mal 1:11\+xt*\f*
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*, and~there~is no~other.
\q1
\v 7 I form light and~create~darkness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:7 \ft \+xt Ps 104:20; 105:28\+xt*\f*
\q I make success and~create~disaster;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:7 \ft \+xt Gn 50:20; 1Sm 16:14; 1Kg 21:21; 22:8; 2Kg 6:33; Jb 2:10; Ps 78:49; Is 13:11; 31:2; 47:11; Jr 1:14; Lm 3:38; Am 3:6\+xt*\f*
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*, who does~all these~things.
\b
\q1
\v 8 “Heavens, sprinkle from~above,
\q and let the skies shower~righteousness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:8 \ft \+xt Hs 10:12\+xt*\f*
\q Let the earth open~up
\q so that salvation will sprout
\q and righteousness will spring~up with~it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:8 \ft \+xt Ps 85:11; Is 61:11\+xt*\f*
\q I, the \nd Lord\nd*, have~created~it.
\b
\q1
\v 9 “Woe to the one who~argues with~his~Maker~—
\q one clay pot among~many.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:9 \ft Lit \fqa a clay pot with clay pots of the ground\f*
\q Does clay say to~the~one forming~it,
\q ‘What are you making?~’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:9 \ft \+xt Is 29:16; 64:8; Jr 18:6; Rm 9:20–21\+xt*\f*
\q Or does your work say,
\q ‘He has no~hands’?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:9 \ft Or \fqa making? Your work has no hands.\f*
\q1
\v 10 Woe to the~one who~says to~his~father,
\q ‘What are you fathering?~’
\q or to his mother,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:10 \ft Lit \fqa to a woman\f*
\q ‘What are you giving~birth~to?~’~”
\q1
\v 11 This is what~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q the Holy One of~Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:11 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f* and~its~Maker,~says:
\q “Ask me what is to~happen to~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:11 \ft Or \fqa me the coming things about\f*~my~sons,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:11 \ft \+xt Jr 31:9\+xt*\f*
\q and instruct me about~the~work of~my~hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:11 \ft \+xt Is 19:25; 29:23; 60:21; 64:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 I made the~earth,
\q and created humans on~it.
\q It was my hands that~stretched~out the~heavens,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:12 \ft \+xt Ps 104:2; Is 42:5; 44:24\+xt*\f*
\q and I commanded everything~in~them.
\q1
\v 13 I have stirred him up in~righteousness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:13 \ft \+xt Is 41:2\+xt*\f*
\q and will level all~roads for~him.
\q He will rebuild my~city,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:13 \ft \+xt 2Ch 36:22–23; Is 44:28\+xt*\f*
\q and set my~exiles~free,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:13 \ft \+xt Is 52:3\+xt*\f*
\q not for a price or~a~bribe,”
\q says the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\s1 God Alone Is the Savior
\m
\v 14 This is what the \nd Lord\nd* says:
\q “The products of~Egypt and~the~merchandise of~Cush
\q and the Sabeans, men~of~stature,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:14 \ft \+xt Is 18:1; 43:3\+xt*\f*
\q will come over to~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:14 \ft \+xt Is 14:1–2; 49:23; 54:3\+xt*\f*
\q and will be~yours;
\q they will follow~you,
\q they will come over in~chains
\q and bow down to~you.
\q They will confess~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:14 \ft Lit \fqa pray\f* to~you,
\q ‘God is indeed with you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:14 \ft \+xt 1Co 14:25\+xt*\f* and~there~is no~other;
\q there is no~other~God.’~”
\b
\q1
\v 15 Yes, you are a~God who~hides,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:15 \ft \+xt Ps 44:24; Is 1:15; 8:17; 57:17\+xt*\f*
\q God of Israel, Savior.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:15 \ft \+xt Is 43:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 All of them are put~to~shame, even~humiliated;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:16 \ft \+xt Is 42:17; 44:9\+xt*\f*
\q the makers of idols go~in~humiliation~together.
\q1
\v 17 Israel will be saved by~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q with an everlasting salvation;
\q you will not be put~to~shame or~humiliated
\q for all eternity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:17 \ft \+xt Ps 37:19; Is 49:23; 50:7; 54:4; Jl 2:26–27; Zph 3:11; Rm 9:33; 10:11; 1Pt 2:6\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 18 For this is what~the~\nd Lord\nd*~says~—
\q the Creator of~the~heavens,
\q the God who formed the earth and~made~it,
\q the one who established it
\q (he did not create it to~be a~wasteland,
\q but formed it to~be~inhabited)~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:18 \ft \+xt Gn 1:26; Ps 115:16\+xt*\f*~—
\q he says, “I am the \nd Lord\nd*,
\q and there is no~other.
\q1
\v 19 I have not spoken in~secret,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:19 \ft \+xt Is 48:16\+xt*\f*
\q somewhere in~a~land of~darkness.
\q I did not say to~the~descendants of~Jacob:
\q Seek me in~a~wasteland.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:19 \ft \+xt 2Ch 15:2; Ps 78:34; Jr 29:13–14\+xt*\f*
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*, who speaks~righteously,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:19 \ft \+xt Ps 19:8; Is 45:23; 63:1\+xt*\f*
\q who declares what~is~right.
\b
\q1
\v 20 “Come, gather~together,
\q and approach, you~fugitives of~the~nations.
\q Those who carry their~wooden~idols
\q and pray to a god who~cannot~save~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:20 \ft \+xt Is 44:17; 46:1,7; Jr 10:5\+xt*\f*
\q have no~knowledge.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:20 \ft \+xt Is 44:18–19; 48:5–7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 Speak up and~present your~case~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 45:21 \ft Lit \fqa and approach\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:21 \ft \+xt Is 41:21–23; 43:9\+xt*\f*~—
\q yes, let them consult~each~other.
\q Who predicted this~long~ago?
\q Who announced it from~ancient~times?
\q Was it not I, the \nd Lord\nd*?
\q There is no other God but~me,
\q a righteous God and~Savior;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:21 \ft \+xt Is 43:3,11\+xt*\f*
\q there is no one except~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:21 \ft \+xt Dt 4:35; 6:4; Mk 12:32\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 Turn to me and~be~saved,
\q all the ends of~the~earth.
\q For I am God,
\q and there is no~other.
\q1
\v 23 By myself I~have~sworn;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:23 \ft \+xt Gn 22:16; Is 62:8; Heb 6:13\+xt*\f*
\q truth has gone from~my~mouth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:23 \ft \+xt Is 55:11\+xt*\f*
\q a word that will not be~revoked:
\q Every knee will bow~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:23 \ft \+xt Rm 14:11; Php 2:10\+xt*\f* to~me,
\q every tongue will swear~allegiance.
\q1
\v 24 It will be said about me, ‘Righteousness and~strength
\q are found only in~the~\nd Lord\nd*.’~”
\q All who are enraged against~him
\q will come to him and~be put~to~shame.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 45:24 \ft \+xt Is 41:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 25 All the descendants of~Israel
\q will be justified and boast in the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\c 46
\s1 There Is No One Like God
\q1
\v 1 Bel crouches; Nebo~cowers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:1 \ft \+xt Jr 50:2–4; 51:44\+xt*\f*
\q Idols depicting them are consigned to~beasts and~cattle.
\q The images you carry are~loaded,
\q as a burden for~the~weary~animal.
\q1
\v 2 The gods cower; they~crouch~together;
\q they are not able to~rescue the~burden,
\q but they themselves go into~captivity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:2 \ft \+xt Jdg 18:17–18,24; 2Sm 5:21; Jr 43:12–13; 48:7; Hs 10:5–6\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 3 “Listen to me, house~of~Jacob,
\q all the remnant of~the~house of~Israel,
\q who have been sustained from~the~womb,
\q carried along since~birth.
\q1
\v 4 I will be the same until~your~old~age,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:4 \ft \+xt Ps 71:18\+xt*\f*
\q and I will bear you up when~you turn~gray.
\q I have made you, and~I~will~carry~you;
\q I will bear and~rescue~you.
\b
\q1
\v 5 “To whom will you compare~me or~make~me equal?
\q Who will you measure~me~with,
\q so that we should be like~each~other?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:5 \ft \+xt Is 40:18,25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Those who pour out their~bags of~gold
\q and weigh out silver on~scales~—
\q they hire a~goldsmith and~he~makes~it into~a~god.
\q Then they kneel and~bow~down to~it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:6 \ft \+xt Is 40:19; 41:7; 44:12–17; Jr 10:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 They lift it to~their~shoulder and~bear~it~along;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:7 \ft \+xt Is 45:20; 46:1; Jr 10:5\+xt*\f*
\q they set it in~its~place, and~there it~stands;
\q it does not budge from~its~place.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:7 \ft \+xt Is 40:20; 41:7\+xt*\f*
\q They cry out to~it but~it~doesn’t~answer;
\q it saves no~one from~his~trouble.
\b
\q1
\v 8 “Remember this and~be~brave;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 46:8 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q take it to heart, you~transgressors!
\q1
\v 9 Remember what happened long~ago,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:9 \ft \+xt Dt 32:7; Is 42:9; 65:17\+xt*\f*
\q for I am God, and~there~is no~other;
\q I am God, and no one is like~me.
\q1
\v 10 I declare the end from~the~beginning,
\q and from long ago what~is not~yet~done,
\q saying: my plan will~take~place,
\q and I will do all~my~will.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:10 \ft \+xt Ps 33:11; Pr 19:21; Is 5:19; 14:24; 25:1; 40:8; Ac 5:39\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 I call a bird of~prey~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 46:11 \ft = Cyrus\f* from~the~east,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:11 \ft \+xt Is 44:28–45:1\+xt*\f*
\q a man for my purpose from~a~far~country.
\q Yes, I have spoken; so~I~will~also bring~it~about.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:11 \ft \+xt Nm 23:19; Is 14:24; 37:26\+xt*\f*
\q I have planned it; I~will~also~do~it.
\q1
\v 12 Listen to me, you~hardhearted,
\q far removed from~justice:
\q1
\v 13 I am bringing my~justice~near;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 46:13 \ft \+xt Is 51:5; 61:11; Rm 3:21\+xt*\f*
\q it is not far~away,
\q and my salvation will~not~delay.
\q I will put salvation in~Zion,
\q my splendor in~Israel.
\c 47
\s1 The Fall of Babylon
\q1
\v 1 “Go down and sit in~the~dust,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:1 \ft \+xt Is 3:26; Jr 48:18\+xt*\f*
\q Virgin Daughter Babylon.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:1 \ft \+xt Ps 137:8; Jr 50:42; 51:33; Zch 2:7\+xt*\f*
\q Sit on the ground without~a~throne,
\q Daughter Chaldea!
\q For you will no~longer be~called pampered and~spoiled.
\q1
\v 2 Take millstones and~grind~flour;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:2 \ft \+xt Ex 11:5; Jb 31:10; Mt 24:41\+xt*\f*
\q remove your~veil,
\q strip off your skirt, bare~your~thigh,
\q wade through the streams.
\q1
\v 3 Your nakedness will~be~uncovered,
\q and your disgrace will~be~exposed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:3 \ft \+xt Jr 13:26; Lm 1:8; Ezk 16:37; Nah 3:5\+xt*\f*
\q I will take~vengeance;
\q I will spare no~one.”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 47:3 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\q1
\v 4 The Holy One of~Israel is our~Redeemer;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:4 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f*
\q The \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies is his~name.
\b
\q1
\v 5 “Daughter Chaldea,
\q sit in silence~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:5 \ft \+xt Is 23:2; Jr 8:14; Lm 2:10; 3:2,28\+xt*\f* and~go into~darkness.
\q For you will no~longer be~called mistress of~kingdoms.
\q1
\v 6 I was angry with~my~people;
\q I profaned my~possession,
\q and I handed them over to~you.
\q You showed them no~mercy;
\q you made your yoke very~heavy on~the~elderly.
\q1
\v 7 You said, ‘I~will~be the~queen~forever.’
\q You did not take these~things to~heart
\q or think about their~outcome.
\b
\q1
\v 8 “So now hear this, lover~of~luxury,
\q who sits~securely,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:8 \ft \+xt Zph 2:15\+xt*\f*
\q who says to~herself,
\q ‘I am, and there is no~one~else.
\q I will never be~a~widow
\q or know the~loss of~children.’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:8 \ft \+xt Rv 18:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 These two things will~happen to~you
\q suddenly, in~one~day:
\q loss of children and~widowhood.
\q They will happen to~you in~their~entirety,
\q in spite of your~many~sorceries~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:9 \ft \+xt Is 47:13; Nah 3:4; Rv 18:23\+xt*\f*
\q and the potency of~your~spells.
\q1
\v 10 You were secure in~your~wickedness;
\q you said, ‘No~one sees~me.’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:10 \ft \+xt Ps 139:3,11\+xt*\f*
\q Your wisdom and~knowledge
\q led you astray.
\q You said to~yourself,
\q ‘I am, and there is no~one~else.’
\q1
\v 11 But disaster will~happen to~you;
\q you will not know how to~avert~it.
\q And it will fall on~you,
\q but you will be unable to~ward it~off.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 47:11 \ft Or \fqa to atone for it\f*
\q Devastation will happen to~you~suddenly
\q and unexpectedly.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:11 \ft \+xt Is 13:6; Jr 51:8,43; Lk 17:27; 1Th 5:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 So take your stand with~your~spells
\q and your many sorceries,
\q which you have wearied~yourself~with from~your~youth.
\q Perhaps you will~be~able to~succeed;
\q perhaps you will inspire~terror!
\q1
\v 13 You are worn out with~your~many~consultations.
\q So let the astrologers stand and~save~you~—
\q those who~observe the~stars,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:13 \ft \+xt Is 8:19; 44:25; 47:9; Dn 2:2,10\+xt*\f*
\q those who predict monthly
\q what will happen to~you.
\q1
\v 14 Look, they are like~stubble;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:14 \ft \+xt Is 5:24; Nah 1:10; Mal 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q fire burns them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 47:14 \ft \+xt Is 10:17; Jr 51:30–32,58\+xt*\f*
\q They cannot rescue~themselves
\q from the power of~the~flame.
\q This is not a coal for~warming~themselves,
\q or a fire to~sit~beside!
\q1
\v 15 This is what~they~are to~you~—
\q those who have wearied~you
\q and have traded with~you from~your~youth~—
\q each wanders on~his~own~way;
\q no one can save~you.
\c 48
\s1 Israel Must Leave Babylon
\q1
\v 1 “Listen to this, house~of~Jacob~—
\q those who are called by~the~name~Israel
\q and have descended from~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 48:1 \ft Lit \fqa have come from the waters of\f*~Judah,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:1 \ft \+xt Nm 24:7; Dt 33:28; Ps 68:26\+xt*\f*
\q who swear by~the~name of~the~\nd Lord\nd*~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:1 \ft \+xt Dt 6:13; Is 45:23; 65:16\+xt*\f*
\q and declare the~God of~Israel,
\q but not in~truth or~righteousness.
\q1
\v 2 For they are named after~the~holy~city,
\q and lean on~the~God of~Israel;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:2 \ft \+xt Is 10:20; Jr 7:4; 21:2; Mc 3:11; Rm 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q his name is the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\q1
\v 3 I declared the~past~events long~ago;
\q they came out of~my~mouth; I~proclaimed~them.
\q Suddenly I acted, and~they~occurred.
\q1
\v 4 Because I know that~you~are~stubborn,
\q and your neck is~iron~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 48:4 \ft Lit \fqa is an iron sinew\f*
\q and your forehead bronze,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:4 \ft \+xt Ex 32:9; Dt 31:27; Ezk 2:4; 3:7–9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 therefore I declared to~you long~ago.
\q I announced it to~you before~it~occurred,
\q so you could not claim, ‘My~idol caused~them;
\q my carved image and~cast~idol control~them.’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:5 \ft \+xt Jr 44:15–18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 You have heard it. Observe~it~all.
\q Will you not acknowledge~it?
\q From now on I~will~announce new~things to~you,
\q hidden things that you~have~not~known.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:6 \ft \+xt Is 42:9; 43:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 They have been created now, and~not long~ago;
\q you have not heard of~them before~today,
\q so you could not claim, ‘I~already knew~them!~’
\q1
\v 8 You have never heard; you~have never~known;
\q for a long time your~ears have~not been~open.
\q For I knew that you were~very~treacherous,
\q and were known as~a~rebel from~birth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:8 \ft \+xt Dt 9:7,24; Ps 58:3; Is 46:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 I will delay my anger for~the~sake of~my~name,
\q and I will restrain myself for~your~benefit and~for~my~praise,
\q so that you will not be destroyed.
\q1
\v 10 Look, I have refined you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:10 \ft \+xt Dt 4:20; 1Kg 8:51; Jr 11:4; Ezk 22:18–22; 1Pt 1:7\+xt*\f* but~not as~silver;
\q I have tested~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 48:10 \ft DSS; MT reads \fqa chosen\f* you in~the~furnace of~affliction.
\q1
\v 11 I will act for my own sake, indeed,~my~own,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:11 \ft \+xt Is 43:25; Ezk 20:9\+xt*\f*
\q for how can I~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 48:11 \ft DSS, Syr; MT reads \fqa it\f* be~defiled?
\q I will not give my~glory to~another.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:11 \ft \+xt Is 42:8\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 12 “Listen to me, Jacob,
\q and Israel, the one called by~me:
\q I am he; I am the~first,
\q I am also the~last.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:12 \ft \+xt Is 41:4; 43:10–13; 46:4; Rv 1:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 My own hand founded the~earth,
\q and my right hand spread~out the~heavens;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:13 \ft \+xt Ps 102:25; Is 42:5; 45:12,18; Heb 1:10–12\+xt*\f*
\q when I summoned them,
\q they stood up together.
\q1
\v 14 All of you, assemble and~listen!
\q Who among the~idols~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 48:14 \ft Lit \fqa among them\f* has~declared these~things?
\q The \nd Lord\nd* loves him;~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 48:14 \ft = Cyrus\f*
\q he will accomplish his~will against~Babylon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:14 \ft \+xt Is 13:4–5,17–19; 46:10–11\+xt*\f*
\q and his arm will~be~against the~Chaldeans.
\q1
\v 15 I~#—~#I~have~spoken;
\q yes, I have called~him;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:15 \ft \+xt Is 41:2; 45:1–2\+xt*\f*
\q I have brought~him,
\q and he will succeed in~his~mission.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:15 \ft \+xt Is 53:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 Approach me and~listen to~this.
\q From the beginning I~have~not spoken in~secret;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:16 \ft \+xt Is 45:19\+xt*\f*
\q from the time anything existed, I~was~there.”
\q And now the~Lord \nd God\nd*
\q has sent me and~his~Spirit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:16 \ft \+xt Nm 27:18; Ps 51:11; Is 61:1; 63:7,10; Zch 2:9,11\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 17 This is what the \nd Lord\nd*, your Redeemer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:17 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f* the Holy One of Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:17 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f* says:
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd* your~God,
\q who teaches you for~your~benefit,
\q who leads you in~the~way you~should~go.
\q1
\v 18 If only you had paid~attention to~my~commands.
\q Then your peace would~have~been like~a~river,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:18 \ft \+xt Is 32:16–18; 66:12\+xt*\f*
\q and your righteousness like~the~waves of~the~sea.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:18 \ft \+xt Dt 5:29; 32:29; Ps 81:13–16; Am 5:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 Your descendants would~have~been as~countless as~the~sand,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:19 \ft \+xt Gn 22:17; Is 10:22; 44:3–4; 54:3; Hs 1:10\+xt*\f*
\q and the offspring of~your~body like~its~grains;~
\q their name would~not be~cut~off
\q or eliminated from~my~presence.
\b
\q1
\v 20 Leave Babylon,
\q flee from~the~Chaldeans!
\q Declare with~a~shout of~joy,
\q proclaim this,
\q let it go out to~the~end of~the~earth;
\q announce,
\q “The \nd Lord\nd* has~redeemed his~servant~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:20 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; 42:19; 43:10; 44:1–2,21; 45:4; 49:3; 54:17; Lk 1:54\+xt*\f*~Jacob!~”
\q1
\v 21 They did not thirst
\q when he led them through~the~deserts;
\q he made water flow from~the~rock for~them;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:21 \ft \+xt Ex 17:6; Ps 78:15–16\+xt*\f*
\q he split the rock, and~water gushed~out.
\q1
\v 22 “There is no peace for~the~wicked,” says~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 48:22 \ft \+xt Is 57:21\+xt*\f*
\c 49
\s1 The Servant Brings Salvation
\q1
\v 1 Coasts and islands,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:1 \ft Or \fqa Islands\f* listen~to~me;
\q distant peoples, pay~attention.
\q The \nd Lord\nd* called~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:1 \ft \+xt Is 44:2,24; 46:3; Jr 1:5\+xt*\f* me before~I~was~born.
\q He named me while~I~was in~my~mother’s~womb.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:1 \ft \+xt Lk 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 He made my~words like~a~sharp~sword;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:2 \ft \+xt Is 11:4; Heb 4:12; Rv 1:16; 2:12,16\+xt*\f*
\q he hid me in~the~shadow of~his~hand.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:2 \ft \+xt Is 51:16\+xt*\f*
\q He made me like~a~sharpened~arrow;
\q he hid me in~his~quiver.
\q1
\v 3 He said to me, “You~are my~servant,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:3 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; 42:1; 49:5–7; 50:10; 52:13; 53:11; Ezk 34:23–24; Zch 3:8; Ac 3:13\+xt*\f*
\q Israel, in whom I will be~glorified.”
\q1
\v 4 But I myself said: I~have~labored in~vain,
\q I have spent my~strength for~nothing and~futility;
\q yet my vindication is with~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q and my reward is with~my~God.
\q1
\v 5 And now, says~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q who formed me from~the~womb to~be his~servant,
\q to bring Jacob back to~him
\q so that Israel might~be~gathered to~him;
\q for I am honored in~the~sight of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q and my God is my~strength~—
\q1
\v 6 he says,
\q “It is not enough for~you to~be my~servant
\q raising up the~tribes of~Jacob
\q and restoring the~protected~ones of~Israel.
\q I will also make you a~light for~the~nations,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:6 \ft \+xt Is 42:6; 51:4; Lk 2:32; Ac 13:47; 26:23\+xt*\f*
\q to be my salvation to~the~ends of~the~earth.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:6 \ft \+xt Ac 13:47\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 This is what the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q the Redeemer~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:7 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f* of~Israel, his~Holy~One,~says
\q to one who~is~despised,
\q to one abhorred by~people,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:7 \ft Or \fqa by the nation\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:7 \ft \+xt Ps 22:6–8; 69:7–9; Is 53:3\+xt*\f*
\q to a servant of~rulers:
\q “Kings will see, princes will stand~up,
\q and they~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:7 \ft Lit \fqa princes and they\f* will~all bow~down
\q because of the \nd Lord\nd*, who~is~faithful,
\q the Holy One of~Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:7 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*~#—~#and~he~has~chosen~you.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:7 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; 42:1; 43:10,20; 44:1–2; 45:4; 65:9,15,22\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 8 This is what the~\nd Lord\nd*~says:
\q I will answer you in~a~time of~favor,
\q and I will help you in~the~day of~salvation.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:8 \ft \+xt Ps 69:13; 2Co 6:2\+xt*\f*
\q I will keep you, and~I~will~appoint~you
\q to be a covenant for~the~people,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:8 \ft \+xt Is 42:6\+xt*\f*
\q to restore the~land,
\q to make them possess the~desolate~inheritances,
\q1
\v 9 saying to the prisoners, “Come~out,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:9 \ft \+xt Is 42:7; 61:1; Lk 4:18\+xt*\f*
\q and to those who are in~darkness, “Show~yourselves.”
\q They will feed along~the~pathways,
\q and their pastures will~be on~all the~barren~heights.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:9 \ft \+xt Is 41:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 They will not hunger or~thirst,
\q the scorching heat or~sun will~not strike~them;
\q for their compassionate one will~guide~them,
\q and lead them to~springs.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:10 \ft \+xt Ps 23:2; Is 40:11; Jn 4:10; Rv 7:16–17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 I will make all~my~mountains into~a~road,
\q and my highways will~be raised~up.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:11 \ft \+xt Is 40:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 See, these will come from~far~away,
\q from the north and~from~the~west,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:12 \ft Lit \fqa sea\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:12 \ft \+xt Is 43:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q and from the~land of~Sinim.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 49:12 \ft DSS read \fqa of the Syenites\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 49:12 \ft Perhaps modern Aswan in southern Egypt\f*
\b
\q1
\v 13 Shout for joy, you~heavens!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:13 \ft \+xt Is 44:23\+xt*\f*
\q Earth, rejoice!
\q Mountains break into~joyful~shouts!
\q For the \nd Lord\nd* has comforted his~people,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:13 \ft \+xt Is 40:1\+xt*\f*
\q and will have compassion on~his~afflicted~ones.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:13 \ft \+xt Is 54:7–10; Mt 11:29\+xt*\f*
\s1 Zion Remembered
\q1
\v 14 Zion says, “The \nd Lord\nd* has~abandoned~me;
\q the Lord has~forgotten~me!~”
\q1
\v 15 “Can a woman forget her~nursing~child,
\q or lack compassion for~the~child of~her~womb?
\q Even if these~forget,
\q yet I will not forget~you.
\q1
\v 16 Look, I have inscribed you on~the~palms of~my~hands;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:16 \ft \+xt Sg 8:6; Hg 2:23\+xt*\f*
\q your walls are~continually before~me.
\q1
\v 17 Your builders~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 49:17 \ft DSS, Aq, Theod, Vg; MT, Syr, Sym read \fqa sons\f* hurry;
\q those who destroy and~devastate~you will~leave~you.
\q1
\v 18 Look up, and~look~around.
\q They all gather together; they~come to~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:18 \ft \+xt Is 60:4\+xt*\f*
\q As I live”~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration~—
\q “you will wear all~your~children~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:18 \ft Lit \fqa all of them\f* as~jewelry,
\q and put them on as~a~bride~does.
\q1
\v 19 For your waste and~desolate~places
\q and your land marked by~ruins
\q will now be indeed too~small for~the~inhabitants,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:19 \ft \+xt Is 54:1–2; Zch 10:10\+xt*\f*
\q and those who~swallowed you~up will~be far~away.
\q1
\v 20 Yet as you listen, the children
\q that you have~been deprived~of will~say,
\q ‘This place is too~small for~me;
\q make room for me so~that I~may~settle.’~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:20 \ft \+xt Is 54:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 Then you will say within~yourself,
\q ‘Who fathered these for~me?
\q I was deprived of~my~children and~unable to~conceive,
\q exiled and~wandering~—
\q but who~brought them~up?
\q See, I was left by~myself~—
\q but these, where did they come~from?~’~”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:21 \ft Lit \fqa where are they\f*
\b
\p
\v 22 This is what the Lord \nd God\nd* says:
\q Look, I will lift up my~hand to~the~nations,
\q and raise my~banner to~the~peoples.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:22 \ft \+xt Is 11:10–12; 18:3; 62:10\+xt*\f*
\q They will bring your~sons in~their~arms,
\q and your daughters will~be~carried on~their~shoulders.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:22 \ft \+xt Is 14:2; 43:6; 60:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 23 Kings will be your~guardians
\q and their queens~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 49:23 \ft Lit \fqa princesses\f* your~nursing~mothers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:23 \ft \+xt Is 60:3,10–11\+xt*\f*
\q They will bow down to~you
\q with their faces to~the~ground
\q and lick the dust at~your~feet.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:23 \ft \+xt Is 14:1–2\+xt*\f*
\q Then you will know that I~am the~\nd Lord\nd*;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:23 \ft \+xt Is 41:20; 43:10; 60:16\+xt*\f*
\q those who put their~hope in~me
\q will not be~put to~shame.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:23 \ft \+xt Ps 25:3; Is 45:17; Jl 2:27\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 24 Can the prey be taken from a~mighty~man,
\q or the captives of~a~tyrant~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 49:24 \ft DSS, Syr, Vg; MT reads \fqa a righteous man\f* be~delivered?
\q1
\v 25 For this is what the~\nd Lord\nd*~says:
\q “Even the captives of~a~mighty~man will~be~taken,
\q and the prey of~a~tyrant will~be~delivered;
\q I will contend with~the~one who~contends with~you,
\q and I will save your~children.
\q1
\v 26 I will make your oppressors eat their~own~flesh,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:26 \ft \+xt Is 9:20\+xt*\f*
\q and they will be drunk with~their~own~blood
\q as with sweet~wine.
\q Then all~humanity will~know
\q that I, the \nd Lord\nd*, am~your~Savior,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:26 \ft \+xt Is 43:3\+xt*\f*
\q and your Redeemer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:26 \ft \+xt Is 41:14\+xt*\f* the~Mighty~One of~Jacob.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 49:26 \ft \+xt Gn 49:24; Ps 132:2,5; Is 60:16\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 50
\m
\v 1 This is what the \nd Lord\nd* says:
\q Where is your~mother’s divorce~certificate
\q that I used to send her~away?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:1 \ft \+xt Dt 24:1–3; Jr 3:8\+xt*\f*
\q Or to which of my creditors did~I~sell~you?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:1 \ft \+xt Dt 32:30; 2Kg 4:1; Neh 5:5\+xt*\f*
\q Look, you were sold for~your~iniquities,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:1 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\q and your mother was sent~away
\q because of your~transgressions.
\q1
\v 2 Why was no one there when~I~came?
\q Why was there no one to~answer when~I~called?
\q Is my arm too~weak to~redeem?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:2 \ft \+xt Gn 18:14; Nm 11:23; Is 59:1\+xt*\f*
\q Or do I have no~power to~rescue?
\q Look, I dry up the~sea by~my~rebuke;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:2 \ft \+xt Ex 14:21; Is 43:16; 44:27\+xt*\f*
\q I turn the rivers into~a~wilderness;
\q their fish rot because~of~lack of~water
\q and die of~thirst.
\q1
\v 3 I dress the heavens in~black
\q and make sackcloth their~covering.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:3 \ft \+xt Rv 6:12\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Obedient Servant
\q1
\v 4 The Lord \nd God\nd* has~given~me
\q the tongue of~those who~are~instructed~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:4 \ft \+xt Is 8:16; 54:13\+xt*\f*
\q to know how to sustain the~weary with~a~word.
\q He awakens me each~morning;
\q he awakens my ear to~listen like~those being~instructed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:4 \ft \+xt Jn 4:34\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 The Lord \nd God\nd* has~opened my~ear,
\q and I was not~rebellious;
\q I did not turn~back.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:5 \ft \+xt Jn 8:29; 14:31; 15:10; Php 2:8; Heb 5:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 I gave my back to~those who~beat~me,
\q and my cheeks to~those who~tore~out my~beard.
\q I did not hide my~face from~scorn and~spitting.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:6 \ft \+xt Mt 26:67; 27:26; Mk 14:65; 15:19; Lk 22:63; Jn 19:1–5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 The Lord \nd God\nd* will~help~me;
\q therefore I have not been~humiliated;
\q therefore I have set my~face like~flint,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:7 \ft \+xt Ezk 3:8–9\+xt*\f*
\q and I know I~will~not be~put~to~shame.
\q1
\v 8 The one who~vindicates~me is~near;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:8 \ft \+xt Is 45:25\+xt*\f*
\q who will contend with~me?
\q Let us confront each~other.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 50:8 \ft Lit \fqa us stand\f*
\q Who has a case against~me?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 50:8 \ft Lit \fqa Who is lord of my judgment\f*
\q Let him come near~me!
\q1
\v 9 In truth, the Lord \nd God\nd* will~help~me;
\q who will condemn~me?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:9 \ft \+xt Rm 8:33–34\+xt*\f*
\q Indeed, all of them will~wear~out like~a~garment;
\q a moth will devour them.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:9 \ft \+xt Jb 13:28; Is 51:8; Hs 5:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Who among you fears the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q and listens to his~servant?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 50:10 \ft \+xt Is 42:1; 49:3–7; 52:13; 53:11; Ezk 34:23–24; Zch 3:8; Ac 3:13\+xt*\f*
\q Who among you walks in~darkness,
\q and has no~light?
\q Let him trust in~the~name of~the~\nd Lord\nd*;
\q let him lean on his~God.
\q1
\v 11 Look, all you who~kindle a~fire,
\q who encircle yourselves with~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 50:11 \ft Syr reads \fqa who set ablaze\f*~torches;
\q walk in the light of~your~fire
\q and of the torches you~have~lit!
\q This is what you’ll get from~my~hand:
\q you will lie down in~a~place of~torment.
\c 51
\s1 Salvation for Zion
\q1
\v 1 Listen to me, you who~pursue~righteousness,
\q you who seek the~\nd Lord\nd*:
\q Look to the rock from~which you~were~cut,
\q and to the quarry from~which you~were~dug.
\q1
\v 2 Look to Abraham your~father,
\q and to Sarah who~gave~birth to~you.
\q When I called him, he~was only~one;
\q I blessed him and~made~him~many.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:2 \ft \+xt Gn 12:1; 15:5; Dt 1:10; Is 29:22; 41:8; 63:16; Ezk 33:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 For the \nd Lord\nd* will~comfort~Zion;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:3 \ft \+xt Is 40:1\+xt*\f*
\q he will comfort all~her~waste~places,
\q and he will make her~wilderness like~Eden,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:3 \ft \+xt Gn 2:8; Jl 2:3\+xt*\f*
\q and her desert like~the~garden of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:3 \ft \+xt Gn 13:10\+xt*\f*
\q Joy and gladness will~be~found in~her,
\q thanksgiving and~melodious~song.
\b
\q1
\v 4 Pay attention to~me, my~people,
\q and listen to~me, my~nation;
\q for instruction will~come from~me,
\q and my justice for~a~light to~the~nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:4 \ft \+xt Is 42:6; 49:6\+xt*\f*
\q I will bring it~about~quickly.
\q1
\v 5 My righteousness is~near,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:5 \ft \+xt Is 46:13; 54:17\+xt*\f*
\q my salvation appears,
\q and my arms will~bring~justice to~the~nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:5 \ft \+xt Is 40:10\+xt*\f*
\q The coasts and islands will~put their~hope in~me,
\q and they will look to~my~strength.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 51:5 \ft Lit \fqa arm\f*
\q1
\v 6 Look up to~the~heavens,
\q and look at~the~earth~beneath;
\q for the heavens will~vanish like~smoke,
\q the earth will~wear~out like~a~garment,
\q and its inhabitants will~die like~gnats.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 51:6 \ft Or \fqa die in like manner\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:6 \ft \+xt Ps 102:25–26; Is 34:4; Mt 24:35; Heb 1:10–12; 2Pt 3:10\+xt*\f*
\q But my salvation will~last~forever,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:6 \ft \+xt Is 45:17; 2Tm 2:10; Heb 5:9\+xt*\f*
\q and my righteousness will~never be~shattered.
\b
\q1
\v 7 Listen to me, you~who know~righteousness,
\q the people in~whose~heart is my~instruction:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:7 \ft \+xt Ps 37:31\+xt*\f*
\q do not fear disgrace by~men,
\q and do not be shattered by~their~taunts.
\q1
\v 8 For moths will~devour~them like~a~garment,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:8 \ft \+xt Is 50:9\+xt*\f*
\q and worms will~eat~them like~wool.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:8 \ft \+xt Is 14:11\+xt*\f*
\q But my righteousness will~last~forever,
\q and my salvation for~all~generations.
\b
\q1
\v 9 Wake up, wake up!
\q Arm of~the~\nd Lord\nd*, clothe yourself with strength.
\q Wake up as~in~days~past,
\q as in generations long~ago.
\q Wasn’t it you who~hacked~Rahab to~pieces,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:9 \ft \+xt Jb 26:12; Ps 89:10; Is 30:7\+xt*\f*
\q who pierced the~sea~monster?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:9 \ft \+xt Ps 74:13; Is 27:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Wasn’t it you who~dried~up the~sea,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:10 \ft \+xt Is 11:15–16; 50:2; 63:11–12\+xt*\f*
\q the waters of~the~great~deep,
\q who made the~sea-bed into~a~road
\q for the redeemed to~pass~over?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:10 \ft \+xt Ex 15:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 And the ransomed of~the~\nd Lord\nd* will~return~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:11 \ft \+xt Is 35:10\+xt*\f*
\q and come to~Zion with~singing,
\q crowned with unending joy.
\q Joy and~gladness will~overtake~them,
\q and sorrow and~sighing will~flee.
\b
\q1
\v 12 I~#—~#I am the~one who~comforts~you.
\q Who are you that you should fear~humans who~die,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:12 \ft \+xt Ps 118:6; Is 2:22\+xt*\f*
\q or a son~of~man who is~given~up like~grass?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:12 \ft \+xt Is 40:6–7; Jms 1:10–11; 1Pt 1:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 But you have forgotten the~\nd Lord\nd*, your~Maker,
\q who stretched out the~heavens
\q and laid the foundations of~the~earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:13 \ft \+xt Is 44:24; 45:12; Am 9:6; Zch 12:1\+xt*\f*
\q You are in constant dread all~day~long
\q because of the fury of~the~oppressor,
\q who has set himself to~destroy.
\q But where is the~fury of~the~oppressor?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:13 \ft \+xt Is 49:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 The prisoner~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 51:14 \ft Hb obscure\f* is soon~to~be set~free;
\q he will not die and go to~the~Pit,
\q and his food will~not be~lacking.
\q1
\v 15 For I am the \nd Lord\nd* your~God
\q who stirs up the sea so~that its~waves~roar~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:15 \ft \+xt Ps 107:25; Jr 31:35\+xt*\f*~—
\q his name is the \nd Lord\nd* of~Armies.
\q1
\v 16 I have put my words in~your~mouth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:16 \ft \+xt Is 59:21\+xt*\f*
\q and covered you in~the~shadow of~my~hand,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:16 \ft \+xt Ex 33:22; Is 49:2\+xt*\f*
\q in order to plant~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 51:16 \ft Syr reads \fqa to stretch out\f* the~heavens,
\q to found the~earth,
\q and to say to Zion, “You~are my~people.”
\b
\q1
\v 17 Wake yourself, wake~yourself~up!
\q Stand up, Jerusalem,
\q you who have drunk the~cup of~his~fury~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:17 \ft \+xt Jb 21:20; Is 63:6; Jr 25:15; Mt 20:22; 26:39; Jn 18:1; Rv 14:10\+xt*\f*
\q from the \nd Lord\nd*’s hand;
\q you who have drunk the~goblet to~the~dregs~—
\q the cup that~causes~people to~stagger.
\q1
\v 18 There is no~one to~guide~her
\q among all the children she~has~raised;
\q there is no one to~take~hold of~her~hand
\q among all the offspring she~has~brought~up.
\q1
\v 19 These two things have~happened to~you:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:19 \ft \+xt Is 47:9\+xt*\f*
\q devastation and~destruction,
\q famine and~sword.
\q Who will grieve for~you?
\q How can I~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 51:19 \ft DSS, LXX, Syr, Vg read \fqa you? Who can\f* comfort~you?
\q1
\v 20 Your children have~fainted;
\q they lie at~the~head of~every~street
\q like an antelope in~a~net.
\q They are full of~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~fury,
\q the rebuke of~your~God.
\b
\q1
\v 21 So listen to~this,~suffering
\q and drunken one~#—~#but~not with~wine.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:21 \ft \+xt Is 29:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 This is what your~Lord~says~—
\q the \nd Lord\nd*, even~your~God,
\q who defends his~people~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:22 \ft \+xt Is 3:12–13; 49:25; Jr 50:34\+xt*\f*~—
\q “Look, I~have~removed from~your~hand
\q the cup that causes staggering;
\q that goblet, the~cup of~my~fury.
\q You will never drink~it~again.
\q1
\v 23 I will put it into~the~hands of~your~tormentors,
\q who said to~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 51:23 \ft \+xt Is 49:26; Jr 25:15–17,26,28; Zch 12:2\+xt*\f*
\q ‘Lie down, so~we~can~walk over~you.’
\q You made your back like~the~ground,
\q and like a street for~those who~walk on~it.
\b
\c 52
\q1
\v 1 “Wake up, wake~up;
\q put on your~strength,~Zion!
\q Put on your~beautiful~garments,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:1 \ft \+xt Is 61:3\+xt*\f*
\q Jerusalem, the~holy~city!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:1 \ft \+xt Neh 11:1; Is 48:2\+xt*\f*
\q For the uncircumcised and~the~unclean
\q will no longer enter~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:1 \ft \+xt Is 35:8; Rv 21:27\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Stand up, shake the~dust off~yourself!
\q Take your seat, Jerusalem.
\q Remove the bonds~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 52:2 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa The bonds are removed\f* from~your~neck,
\q captive Daughter~Zion.”
\q1
\v 3 For this is what the~\nd Lord\nd*~says:
\q “You were sold for~nothing,
\q and you will be redeemed without~silver.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:3 \ft \+xt Is 45:13; 1Pt 1:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 For this is what the~Lord \nd God\nd*~says:
\q “At first my people went~down to~Egypt to~reside~there,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:4 \ft \+xt Gn 46:6\+xt*\f*
\q then Assyria oppressed them without~cause.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 52:4 \ft Or \fqa them at last\ft , or \fqa them for nothing\f*
\q1
\v 5 So now what have~I~here”~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration~—
\q “that my people are~taken~away for~nothing?
\q Its rulers wail”~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration~—
\q “and my name is continually blasphemed all~day~long.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:5 \ft \+xt Ezk 36:20; Rm 2:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Therefore my people will~know my~name;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:6 \ft \+xt Is 49:23\+xt*\f*
\q therefore they~will~know on~that~day
\q that I am he who~says,
\q ‘Here I~am.’~”
\b
\q1
\v 7 How beautiful on~the~mountains
\q are the feet of~the~herald,
\q who proclaims peace,
\q who brings news of~good~things,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:7 \ft \+xt Nah 1:15; Rm 10:15\+xt*\f*
\q who proclaims salvation,
\q who says to~Zion, “Your~God~reigns!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:7 \ft \+xt Ps 93:1; Is 24:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 The voices of~your~watchmen~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:8 \ft \+xt Is 62:6\+xt*\f*~—
\q they lift up their~voices,
\q shouting for~joy~together;
\q for every eye will~see
\q when the \nd Lord\nd* returns to~Zion.
\q1
\v 9 Be joyful, rejoice~together,
\q you ruins of~Jerusalem!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:9 \ft \+xt Is 44:26; 51:3; 61:4\+xt*\f*
\q For the \nd Lord\nd* has~comforted his~people;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:9 \ft \+xt Is 40:1\+xt*\f*
\q he has redeemed~Jerusalem.
\q1
\v 10 The \nd Lord\nd* has displayed his~holy~arm
\q in the sight of all~the~nations;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:10 \ft \+xt Ps 98:1–3; Is 51:9; 66:18–19\+xt*\f*
\q all the ends of~the~earth will~see
\q the salvation of~our~God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:10 \ft \+xt Is 40:5; Lk 3:6\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 11 Leave, leave, go~out from~there!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:11 \ft \+xt Is 48:20; Jr 50:8; Ezk 20:34,41; Zch 2:6,7; 2Co 6:17\+xt*\f*
\q Do not touch anything~unclean;
\q go out from her, purify~yourselves,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:11 \ft \+xt 2Co 6:17; 2Tm 2:19\+xt*\f*
\q you who carry the~vessels of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 12 For you will not leave in~a~hurry,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:12 \ft \+xt Ex 12:11,33; Dt 16:3\+xt*\f*
\q and you will not have to~take~flight;
\q because the \nd Lord\nd* is going before~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:12 \ft \+xt Ex 23:23; Dt 1:30; 31:8; Is 45:2\+xt*\f*
\q and the God of Israel is your~rear~guard.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:12 \ft \+xt Jos 6:9,13; Is 58:8\+xt*\f*
\s1 The Servant’s Suffering and Exaltation
\q1
\v 13 See, my servant~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 52:13 \ft Tg adds \fqa the Messiah\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:13 \ft \+xt Is 42:1; 49:3–7; 50:10; 53:11; Ezk 34:23–24; Zch 3:8; Ac 3:13\+xt*\f* will~be~successful;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 52:13 \ft Or \fqa will act wisely\f*
\q he will be raised and~lifted~up and~greatly~exalted.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:13 \ft \+xt Php 2:9–11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 Just as many were~appalled at~you~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 52:14 \ft Some Hb mss, Syr, Tg read \fqa him\f*~—
\q his appearance was~so~disfigured
\q that he did not look like~a~man,
\q and his form did~not~resemble a~human~being~—
\q1
\v 15 so he will sprinkle many~nations.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 52:15 \ft LXX reads \fqa so many nations will marvel at him\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:15 \ft \+xt Nm 19:18–21; Ezk 36:25\+xt*\f*
\q Kings will shut their~mouths because~of~him,
\q for they will see what~had~not~been~told~them,
\q and they will understand what~they~had~not~heard.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 52:15 \ft \+xt Rm 15:21; Eph 3:5\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 53
\q1
\v 1 Who has believed what~we~have~heard?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:1 \ft Or \fqa believed our report\f*
\q And to whom has the~arm of~the~\nd Lord\nd*~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:1 \ft \+xt Is 30:30; 40:10; 48:14; 51:9; 52:10; Lk 1:51; Ac 13:17\+xt*\f* been~revealed?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:1 \ft \+xt Jn 12:38; Rm 10:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 He grew up before~him like~a~young~plant~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:2 \ft \+xt Is 11:1\+xt*\f*
\q and like a root out~of dry~ground.
\q He didn’t have an impressive~form
\q or majesty that~we should~look at~him,
\q no appearance that~we~should desire~him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:2 \ft \+xt Is 52:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 He was despised and~rejected by~men,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:3 \ft \+xt Ps 22:6; Is 49:7; Lk 18:31–33\+xt*\f*
\q a man of suffering who~knew what~sickness~was.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:3 \ft \+xt Mk 8:31; Jn 1:10–11; Heb 4:15\+xt*\f*
\q He was like someone people~turned~away~from;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:3 \ft Lit \fqa And like a hiding of faces from him\f*
\q he was despised, and~we~didn’t value~him.
\b
\q1
\v 4 Yet he himself bore our~sicknesses,
\q and he carried our~pains;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:4 \ft \+xt Mt 8:17; 1Pt 2:21\+xt*\f*
\q but we in~turn regarded~him~stricken,
\q struck down by~God,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:4 \ft \+xt Ps 69:26\+xt*\f* and~afflicted.
\q1
\v 5 But he was pierced because~of our~rebellion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:5 \ft \+xt Is 53:8; Rm 4:25; 1Co 15:3; Heb 9:28\+xt*\f*
\q crushed because~of our~iniquities;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:5 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q punishment~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:5 \ft \+xt Jr 2:30; Zph 3:2; Heb 5:8\+xt*\f* for~our~peace was on~him,
\q and we are healed by~his~wounds.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:5–6 \ft \+xt 1Pt 2:24–25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 We all went astray like~sheep;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:6 \ft \+xt Mt 18:12\+xt*\f*
\q we all have turned to~our~own~way;
\q and the \nd Lord\nd* has~punished~him
\q for~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:6 \ft Or \fqa has placed on him\ft ; lit \fqa with\f* the~iniquity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:6 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* of~us~all.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:6 \ft \+xt 2Co 5:21; Col 2:14\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 7 He was oppressed and~afflicted,
\q yet he did not open his~mouth.
\q Like a lamb led to~the~slaughter
\q and like a sheep silent before~her~shearers,
\q he did not open his~mouth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:7 \ft \+xt Jr 11:19; Mt 26:63; 27:12–14; Lk 23:9; Jn 19:9; Ac 8:32–33; 1Pt 2:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 He was taken away because~of oppression and~judgment,
\q and who considered his~fate?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:8 \ft Or \fqa and as for his generation, who considered him?\f*
\q For he was cut off from~the~land of~the~living;
\q he was struck because~of my~people’s~rebellion.
\q1
\v 9 He was assigned a~grave with~the~wicked,
\q but he was with a rich man at~his~death,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:9 \ft \+xt Mt 27:57–60\+xt*\f*
\q because he had done no~violence
\q and had not spoken~deceitfully.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:9 \ft \+xt Heb 4:15; 1Pt 2:22; 1Jn 3:5\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 10 Yet the \nd Lord\nd* was pleased~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:10 \ft \+xt Is 44:28; 55:11\+xt*\f* to~crush~him severely.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:10 \ft Or \fqa him; he made him sick.\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:10 \ft \+xt Dt 29:22; Is 17:11\+xt*\f*
\q When~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:10 \ft Or \fqa If\f* you make him a~guilt~offering,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:10 \ft \+xt Lv 5:1–19\+xt*\f*
\q he will see his seed, he~will~prolong his~days,
\q and by~his~hand, the \nd Lord\nd*’s~pleasure will~be~accomplished.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:10 \ft \+xt Is 46:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 After his~anguish,
\q he will see light~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 53:11 \ft DSS, LXX; MT omits \fqa light\f* and be satisfied.
\q By his~knowledge,
\q my righteous~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:11 \ft \+xt 1Jn 2:1\+xt*\f* servant~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:11 \ft \+xt Is 42:1\+xt*\f* will~justify~many,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:11 \ft \+xt Ac 13:39; Rm 5:18–19\+xt*\f*
\q and he will carry their~iniquities.
\q1
\v 12 Therefore I will give him~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:12 \ft Or \fqa him with\f* the~many as~a~portion,
\q and he will receive~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 53:12 \ft Or \fqa receive with\f* the~mighty as~spoil,
\q because he willingly submitted to~death,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:12 \ft \+xt Mt 26:42; Jn 10:14–18; Php 2:6–8\+xt*\f*
\q and was counted among~the~rebels;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:12 \ft \+xt Lk 22:37\+xt*\f*
\q yet he bore the~sin of~many~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:12 \ft \+xt Heb 9:28\+xt*\f*
\q and interceded for~the~rebels.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 53:12 \ft \+xt Lk 23:34; Rm 8:34; Heb 7:25\+xt*\f*
\c 54
\s1 Future Glory for Israel
\q1
\v 1 “Rejoice, childless~one, who~did~not give~birth;
\q burst into song and~shout,
\q you who have not~been in~labor!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:1 \ft \+xt Gl 4:27\+xt*\f*
\q For the children of~the~desolate~one will~be~more
\q than the children of~the~married~woman,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:1 \ft \+xt 1Sm 2:5; Is 62:4\+xt*\f*
\q says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 2 “Enlarge the site of~your~tent,
\q and let your tent curtains be~stretched~out;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:2 \ft \+xt Is 49:19–20\+xt*\f*
\q do not hold~back;
\q lengthen your~ropes,
\q and drive your~pegs~deep.
\q1
\v 3 For you will spread out to~the~right and~to~the~left,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:3 \ft \+xt Gn 28:14; Is 43:5–6; 60:3\+xt*\f*
\q and your descendants will~dispossess~nations
\q and inhabit the~desolate~cities.
\b
\q1
\v 4 “Do not be afraid, for~you~will~not be~put~to~shame;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:4 \ft \+xt Is 45:17\+xt*\f*
\q don’t be humiliated, for~you~will~not be~disgraced.
\q For you will forget the~shame of~your~youth,
\q and you will no~longer~remember
\q the disgrace of~your~widowhood.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:4 \ft \+xt Is 4:1; 25:8; 51:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Indeed, your husband is your~Maker~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:5 \ft \+xt Jr 3:14; Hs 2:19\+xt*\f*~—
\q his name is the \nd Lord\nd*~of~Armies~—
\q and the Holy One of~Israel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:5 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f* is your~Redeemer;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:5 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f*
\q he is called the~God of~the whole~earth.
\q1
\v 6 For the \nd Lord\nd* has called~you,
\q like a wife deserted and~wounded in~spirit,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:6 \ft \+xt Is 49:14–21; 50:1–2; 62:4\+xt*\f*
\q a wife of one’s youth~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:6 \ft \+xt Mal 2:14\+xt*\f* when~she~is~rejected,”
\q says your God.
\q1
\v 7 “I deserted you for~a~brief~moment,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:7 \ft \+xt Is 26:20\+xt*\f*
\q but I will take you back with~abundant~compassion.
\q1
\v 8 In a surge of anger
\q I hid my~face~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:8 \ft \+xt Dt 31:17–18; Is 8:17\+xt*\f* from~you for~a~moment,
\q but I will have compassion on~you
\q with everlasting love,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:8 \ft \+xt Ps 100:5; Jr 31:3; 33:11\+xt*\f*
\q says the \nd Lord\nd* your~Redeemer.
\q1
\v 9 “For this is like~the~days~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 54:9 \ft DSS, Cairo Geniza; MT, LXX read \fqa waters\f* of~Noah to~me:
\q when I swore that~the~water of~Noah
\q would never flood the~earth~again,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:9 \ft \+xt Gn 9:11\+xt*\f*
\q so I have sworn that~I~will~not be~angry with~you
\q or rebuke you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:9 \ft \+xt Ezk 39:29\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Though the mountains move
\q and the hills shake,
\q my love will not be~removed from~you
\q and my covenant of~peace~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:10 \ft \+xt Nm 25:12; Ezk 34:25; Mal 2:5\+xt*\f* will~not be~shaken,”
\q says your compassionate \nd Lord\nd*.
\b
\q1
\v 11 “Poor Jerusalem, storm-tossed, and~not~comforted,
\q I will set your stones in~black~mortar,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 54:11 \ft Lit \fqa in antimony\f*
\q and lay your~foundations in~lapis lazuli.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:11 \ft \+xt Rv 21:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 I will make your~fortifications~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 54:12 \ft Lit \fqa suns\ft ; perhaps \fqa shields\ft ; Ps 84:11\f* out~of~rubies,
\q your gates out~of sparkling~stones,
\q and all your walls out~of precious~stones.
\q1
\v 13 Then all your children will~be~taught by~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:13 \ft \+xt Jn 6:45\+xt*\f*
\q their prosperity will~be~great,
\q1
\v 14 and you will~be~established
\q on a foundation of righteousness.
\q You will be far from~oppression,
\q you will certainly not be~afraid;
\q you will be far from~terror,
\q it will certainly not come~near~you.
\q1
\v 15 If anyone attacks~you,
\q it is not from~me;
\q whoever attacks~you
\q will fall before~you.
\q1
\v 16 Look, I have created the~craftsman
\q who blows on the~charcoal~fire
\q and produces a~weapon~suitable for~its~task;
\q and I have created the~destroyer to~cause~havoc.
\q1
\v 17 No weapon formed against~you will~succeed,
\q and you will refute any~accusation~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 54:17 \ft Lit \fqa refute every tongue\f*
\q raised against~you in~court.
\q This is the heritage of~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~servants,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:17 \ft \+xt Is 41:8–9; Lk 1:54\+xt*\f*
\q and their vindication is from~me.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 54:17 \ft \+xt Is 45:24; 46:13\+xt*\f*
\qm This~is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration.
\c 55
\s1 Come to the \nd Lord\nd*
\q1
\v 1 “Come, everyone who~is~thirsty,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:1 \ft \+xt Ps 42:1–2; 63:1; 143:6; Is 41:17; 44:3; Jn 4:14; 7:37; Rv 21:6\+xt*\f*
\q come to~the~water;
\q and you without~silver,
\q come, buy, and~eat!
\q Come, buy wine and~milk
\q without silver and~without~cost!
\q1
\v 2 Why do you spend silver on~what is~not~food,
\q and your wages on~what does~not~satisfy?
\q Listen carefully to me, and~eat what~is~good,
\q and you will enjoy the~choicest of~foods.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 55:2 \ft Lit \fqa enjoy fatness\f*
\q1
\v 3 Pay attention and~come to~me;
\q listen, so that you~will~live.
\q I will make a~permanent~covenant with~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:3 \ft \+xt Gn 9:16; 17:7; 2Sm 23:5; Is 24:5; 59:21; 61:8\+xt*\f*
\q on the basis of the faithful kindnesses of~David.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 55:3 \ft Or \fqa with you, the faithful acts of kindness shown to David\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:3 \ft \+xt Ac 13:34\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Since I have made him a~witness to~the~peoples,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:4 \ft \+xt Ps 18:43\+xt*\f*
\q a leader and~commander for~the~peoples,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:4 \ft \+xt Ezk 34:24; 37:24–25; Dn 9:25; Mc 5:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 so you will summon a~nation you~do~not~know,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:5 \ft \+xt Is 45:14,22–24; 49:6\+xt*\f*
\q and nations who do not know~you will~run to~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:5 \ft \+xt Zch 8:22\+xt*\f*
\q For the \nd Lord\nd* your~God,
\q even the Holy One of~Israel,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:5 \ft \+xt Is 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q has glorified you.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:5 \ft \+xt Is 60:9\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 6 Seek the \nd Lord\nd* while~he~may~be~found;
\q call to him while~he~is~near.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:6 \ft \+xt Ps 32:6; Am 5:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Let the wicked one abandon his~way
\q and the sinful one his~thoughts;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:7 \ft \+xt Ps 33:10; Is 32:7; 59:7; 65:2\+xt*\f*
\q let him return to~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q so he may have~compassion on~him,
\q and to our God, for~he~will freely~forgive.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:7 \ft \+xt Is 1:18; 43:25; 44:22\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 “For my thoughts are~not your~thoughts,
\q and your ways are~not my~ways.”
\qm This~is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration.
\q1
\v 9 “For as heaven is higher than~earth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:9 \ft \+xt Ps 103:11\+xt*\f*
\q so my ways are higher than~your~ways,
\q and my thoughts than~your~thoughts.
\q1
\v 10 For just as rain and~snow fall from~heaven
\q and do not return~there
\q without saturating the~earth
\q and making it germinate and~sprout,
\q and providing seed to~sow
\q and food to~eat,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:10 \ft \+xt 2Co 9:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 so my word that~comes from~my~mouth
\q will not return to~me~empty,
\q but it will accomplish what~I~please
\q and will prosper in~what~I~send~it to~do.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:11 \ft \+xt Is 45:23; 46:10; 53:10\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 12 You will indeed go~out with~joy
\q and be peacefully~guided;
\q the mountains and~the~hills will~break into~singing before~you,
\q and all the trees of~the~field will~clap their~hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:12 \ft \+xt Ps 98:8; Is 44:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Instead of the thornbush, a~cypress will~come~up,
\q and instead of the brier, a~myrtle will~come~up;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:13 \ft \+xt Is 35:1–2; 41:19; 60:13\+xt*\f*
\q this will stand as a monument for the \nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 55:13 \ft \+xt Is 63:12–14; Jr 33:9\+xt*\f*
\q an everlasting sign that~will~not be~destroyed.
\c 56
\s1 A House of Prayer for All
\m
\v 1 This is what the \nd Lord\nd* says:
\q Preserve justice and~do what~is~right,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:1 \ft \+xt Gn 18:19; Ps 106:3; Pr 21:3\+xt*\f*
\q for my salvation is~coming~soon,
\q and my righteousness will~be~revealed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:1 \ft \+xt Ps 98:2; Is 46:13; 51:5; Rm 1:17; 3:21\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Happy is the person who~does~this,
\q the son~of~man who holds~it~fast,
\q who keeps the Sabbath without~desecrating~it,
\q and keeps his hand from~doing any~evil.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:2 \ft \+xt Is 58:13\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 3 No foreigner who has joined~himself to~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q should say,
\q “The \nd Lord\nd* will~exclude~me from~his~people,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:3 \ft \+xt Is 14:1; 56:6\+xt*\f*
\q and the eunuch should~not~say,
\q “Look, I am a~dried-up~tree.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:3 \ft \+xt Dt 23:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 For the \nd Lord\nd* says~this:
\q “For the eunuchs who~keep my~Sabbaths,
\q and choose what pleases me,
\q and hold firmly to~my~covenant,
\q1
\v 5 I will give them, in~my~house and~within my~walls,
\q a memorial and~a~name
\q better than sons and~daughters.
\q I will give each of~them an~everlasting~name
\q that will never be cut~off.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:5 \ft \+xt Is 55:13; Rv 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 As for the foreigners who~join themselves to~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q to minister to him, to love~the~name~of~the \nd Lord\nd*,
\q and to become his servants~—
\q all who keep the~Sabbath without~desecrating~it
\q and who hold firmly to~my~covenant~—
\q1
\v 7 I will bring them to~my~holy~mountain~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:7 \ft \+xt Is 2:2–3\+xt*\f*
\q and let them rejoice in~my~house of~prayer.
\q Their burnt offerings and~sacrifices
\q will be acceptable on~my~altar,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:7 \ft \+xt Mal 1:11\+xt*\f*
\q for my house will~be~called a~house of~prayer
\q for all nations.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:7 \ft \+xt Jr 7:11; Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46\+xt*\f*
\q2
\v 8 This~is the~declaration of~the~Lord \nd God\nd*,
\qm who~gathers the~dispersed of~Israel:
\q “I will gather to them still~others
\q besides those already~gathered.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:8 \ft \+xt Is 11:12; 60:3–11; 66:18–21; Jn 10:16\+xt*\f*
\s1 Unrighteous Leaders Condemned
\q1
\v 9 All you animals of~the~field and~forest,
\q come and~eat!
\q1
\v 10 Israel’s~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 56:10 \ft Or \fqa His\ft , or \fqa Its\f* watchmen~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:10 \ft \+xt Ezk 3:17–18; 33:1–6\+xt*\f* are~blind, all~of~them,
\q they know nothing;
\q all of them are~mute~dogs,
\q they cannot bark;
\q they dream, lie~down,
\q and love to~sleep.
\q1
\v 11 These dogs have fierce~appetites;
\q they never have~enough.
\q And they are~shepherds
\q who have no~discernment;
\q all of them turn to~their~own~way,
\q every last one for~his~own~profit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:11 \ft \+xt Jr 10:21; 23:1; 50:6; Ezk 34:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 “Come, let me get some~wine,
\q let’s guzzle some~beer;
\q and tomorrow will be like~today,
\q only far better!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 56:12 \ft \+xt Lk 12:19; 1Co 15:32\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 57
\q1
\v 1 The righteous person~perishes,
\q and no one takes it to~heart;
\q the faithful are~taken~away,
\q with no one realizing
\q that the righteous person is~taken~away
\q because of~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 57:1 \ft Or \fqa taken away from the presence of\f*~evil.
\q1
\v 2 He will enter into~peace~—
\q they will rest on~their~beds~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 57:2 \ft Either their deathbeds or their graves\f*~—
\q everyone who~lives~uprightly.
\s1 Pagan Religion Denounced
\q1
\v 3 But come here,
\q you witch’s sons,
\q offspring of an~adulterer and~a~prostitute!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 57:3 \ft Lit \fqa and she acted as a prostitute\f*
\q1
\v 4 Who are you~mocking?
\q Who are~you opening your~mouth
\q and sticking out your~tongue~at?
\q Isn’t it you, you~rebellious~children,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:4 \ft \+xt Is 30:1,9\+xt*\f*
\q you offspring of~liars,
\q1
\v 5 who burn with lust among~the~oaks,
\q under every green tree,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:5 \ft \+xt 2Kg 16:4; Jr 2:20; 3:13\+xt*\f*
\q who slaughter children in~the~wadis
\q below the clefts of~the~rocks?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:5 \ft \+xt 2Kg 23:10; Ps 106:37–38; Jr 7:31; Ezk 16:20–21\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Your portion is among~the~smooth~stones of~the~wadi;
\q indeed, they are your~lot.
\q You have even poured out a~drink~offering to~them;
\q you have offered a~grain~offering;
\q should I be satisfied with~these?
\q1
\v 7 You have placed your~bed
\q on a high and~lofty~mountain;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:7 \ft \+xt Jr 3:6; Ezk 16:16\+xt*\f*
\q you also went up there to~offer~sacrifice.
\q1
\v 8 You have set up your~memorial
\q behind the door and~doorpost.
\q For away from me, you~stripped,
\q went up, and made your~bed~wide,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:8 \ft \+xt Ezk 23:17–18\+xt*\f*
\q and you have made a~bargain~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 57:8 \ft Lit \fqa you cut\f* for~yourself with~them.
\q You have loved their~bed;
\q you have gazed on their~genitals.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 57:8 \ft Lit \fqa hand\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 57:8 \ft In Hb, the word “hand” is probably a euphemism for \fqa genitals\ft .\f*
\q1
\v 9 You went to~the~king with~oil
\q and multiplied your~perfumes;
\q you sent your envoys far~away~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:9 \ft \+xt Ezk 16:26–29\+xt*\f*
\q and sent them down even~to~Sheol.
\q1
\v 10 You became weary on~your~many~journeys,
\q but you did not say, “It’s~hopeless!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:10 \ft \+xt Jr 2:25; 18:12\+xt*\f*
\q You found a renewal of~your~strength;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 57:10 \ft Lit \fqa found life of your hand\f*
\q therefore you did not grow~weak.
\q1
\v 11 Who was it you dreaded and~feared,
\q so that you lied and~didn’t remember~me
\q or take it to~heart?
\q I have kept silent for~a~long~time, haven’t~I?~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 57:11 \ft LXX reads \fqa And I, when I see you, I pass by\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:11 \ft \+xt Ps 50:21; Is 42:14\+xt*\f*
\q So you do not fear~me.
\q1
\v 12 I will announce your~righteousness,
\q and your works~#—~#they~will~not profit~you.
\q1
\v 13 When you cry~out,
\q let your collection of~idols rescue~you!
\q The wind will carry all~of~them~off,
\q a breath will take them~away.
\q But whoever takes refuge in~me
\q will inherit the~land~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:13 \ft \+xt Ps 37:3,9; Is 25:4\+xt*\f*
\q and possess my~holy~mountain.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:13 \ft \+xt Is 65:9\+xt*\f*
\s1 Healing and Peace
\q1
\v 14 He said,
\q “Build it up, build~it~up, prepare~the~way,
\q remove every obstacle from~my~people’s~way.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:14 \ft \+xt Is 62:10; Jr 18:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 For the High and~Exalted~One,
\q who lives forever, whose~name is~holy,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:15 \ft \+xt Lk 1:49\+xt*\f* says~this:
\q “I live in a high and~holy~place,
\q and with the oppressed and~lowly of~spirit,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:15 \ft \+xt Ps 34:18; 51:17; Is 66:2\+xt*\f*
\q to revive the~spirit of~the~lowly
\q and revive the~heart of~the~oppressed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:15 \ft \+xt Ps 147:3; Is 61:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 For I will not accuse~you~forever,
\q and I will not always be~angry;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:16 \ft \+xt Gn 6:3; Ps 103:9; Jr 3:12\+xt*\f*
\q for then the spirit would~grow~weak before~me,
\q even the breath, which~I~have~made.
\q1
\v 17 Because of his sinful greed I~was~angry,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:17 \ft \+xt Is 2:7; 56:11; Jr 6:13\+xt*\f*
\q so I struck him; I~was~angry and~hid;
\q but he went on turning back to~the~desires of~his~heart.
\q1
\v 18 I have seen his~ways, but~I~will~heal~him;
\q I will lead him and restore~comfort
\q to him and his~mourners,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:18 \ft \+xt Is 61:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 creating words of~praise.”~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 57:19 \ft Lit \fqa creating fruit of the lips\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:19 \ft \+xt Is 6:7; 51:16; 59:21; Heb 13:15\+xt*\f*
\q The \nd Lord\nd* says,
\q “Peace, peace to~the~one who~is~far or~near,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:19 \ft \+xt Ac 2:39; Eph 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q and I will heal him.
\q1
\v 20 But the wicked are like~the~storm-tossed~sea,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:20 \ft \+xt Ps 107:29\+xt*\f*
\q for it cannot be~still,
\q and its water churns~up~mire and~muck.
\q1
\v 21 There is no peace for~the~wicked,”
\q says my God.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 57:21 \ft \+xt Is 48:22; 59:8\+xt*\f*
\c 58
\s1 True Fasting
\q1
\v 1 “Cry out loudly, don’t~hold~back!
\q Raise your voice like~a~ram’s~horn.
\q Tell my people their~transgression
\q and the house of~Jacob their~sins.
\q1
\v 2 They seek me day~after~day
\q and delight to~know my~ways,
\q like a nation that does what~is~right
\q and does not abandon the~justice of~their~God.
\q They ask me for~righteous~judgments;
\q they delight in~the~nearness of~God.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:2 \ft \+xt Ps 119:151; Is 29:13; 57:3; Jms 4:8\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 3 “Why have we fasted, but~you~have~not~seen?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:3 \ft \+xt Mal 3:14; Lk 18:12\+xt*\f*
\q We have denied ourselves, but~you~haven’t~noticed!~”~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 58:3 \ft These are Israel’s words to God.\f*
\b
\q “Look, you do as you please on~the~day of~your~fast,
\q and oppress all~your~workers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:3 \ft \+xt Is 22:12–13; Zch 7:5–6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 You fast with contention and~strife
\q to strike viciously with~your~fist.
\q You cannot fast as~you~do~today,
\q hoping to make your voice heard on~high.
\q1
\v 5 Will the fast I choose be~like~this:
\q A day for a person to~deny~himself,
\q to bow his head like~a~reed,
\q and to spread out sackcloth and~ashes?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:5 \ft \+xt Est 4:3; Dn 9:3\+xt*\f*
\q Will you call this a~fast
\q and a day acceptable to~the~\nd Lord\nd*?
\q1
\v 6 Isn’t this the~fast I~choose:
\q To break the chains of~wickedness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:6 \ft \+xt Jb 36:8; Ps 107:10; Ec 7:26\+xt*\f*
\q to untie the ropes of~the~yoke,
\q to set the~oppressed~free,
\q and to tear off every~yoke?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:6 \ft \+xt Neh 5:10–12; Is 58:9; Jr 34:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Is it not to share your~bread with~the~hungry,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:7 \ft \+xt Jb 31:19–20; Is 58:10; Ezk 18:7,16\+xt*\f*
\q to bring the poor and~homeless into~your~house,
\q to clothe the naked when~you~see~him,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:7 \ft \+xt Mt 25:35–36; Lk 3:11\+xt*\f*
\q and not to ignore your~own~flesh and~blood?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 58:7 \ft Lit \fqa not hide yourself from your flesh\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:7 \ft \+xt Dt 22:1–4; Lk 10:31–32\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 Then your light will~appear like~the~dawn,
\q and your recovery will~come~quickly.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:8 \ft \+xt Is 30:26; 33:24; Jr 30:17; 33:6\+xt*\f*
\q Your righteousness will~go before~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:8 \ft \+xt Ps 85:13; Is 62:1\+xt*\f*
\q and the \nd Lord\nd*’s glory will~be your~rear~guard.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:8 \ft \+xt Ex 14:19; Is 52:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 At that time, when you call, the~\nd Lord\nd* will~answer;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:9 \ft \+xt Ps 50:15; Is 55:6; 65:24\+xt*\f*
\q when you cry out, he~will~say, ‘Here~I~am.’
\q If you get rid of the yoke among~you,
\q the finger-pointing and~malicious~speaking,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:9 \ft \+xt Pr 6:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 and if you offer yourself~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 58:10 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr read \fqa offer your bread\f* to~the~hungry,
\q and satisfy the~afflicted~one,
\q then your light will~shine in~the~darkness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:10 \ft \+xt Jb 11:17; Ps 37:6; Is 42:16; 58:8\+xt*\f*
\q and your night will be like~noonday.
\q1
\v 11 The \nd Lord\nd* will always lead~you,
\q satisfy you in~a~parched~land,
\q and strengthen your~bones.
\q You will be like~a~watered~garden~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:11 \ft \+xt Sg 4:15; Is 27:3; Jr 31:12\+xt*\f*
\q and like a spring whose~water never~runs~dry.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:11 \ft \+xt Jn 4:14; 7:38\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 Some of you will rebuild the~ancient~ruins;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:12 \ft \+xt Ezr 6:14; Neh 4:6; Is 49:8; 61:4; Ezk 36:10\+xt*\f*
\q you will restore the~foundations~laid long~ago;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:12 \ft \+xt 1Kg 6:37; Ezr 3:10–12\+xt*\f*
\q you will be called the~repairer of~broken~walls,
\q the restorer of streets where~people~live.
\b
\q1
\v 13 “If you keep from~desecrating the~Sabbath,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:13 \ft \+xt Ex 31:16–17; 35:2–3; Is 56:2–6; Jr 17:21–27\+xt*\f*
\q from doing whatever you~want on~my~holy~day;
\q if you call the Sabbath a~delight,
\q and the holy day of~the~\nd Lord\nd*~honorable;
\q if you honor it, not~going your~own~ways,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:13 \ft \+xt Is 55:8\+xt*\f*
\q seeking your own pleasure, or~talking~business;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 58:13 \ft Or \fqa idly\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 58:13 \ft Lit \fqa or speak a word\f*
\q1
\v 14 then you will delight in~the~\nd Lord\nd*,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:14 \ft \+xt Jb 22:26; Ps 37:4\+xt*\f*
\q and I will make you ride over~the~heights of~the~land,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:14 \ft \+xt Dt 32:13; 33:29; Is 33:16; Hab 3:19\+xt*\f*
\q and let you enjoy the~heritage of~your~father~Jacob.”
\q For the mouth of~the~\nd Lord\nd* has~spoken.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 58:14 \ft \+xt Is 1:20; 40:5\+xt*\f*
\c 59
\s1 Sin and Redemption
\q1
\v 1 Indeed, the \nd Lord\nd*’s arm is~not too~weak to~save,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:1 \ft \+xt Nm 11:23; Is 50:2; Jr 32:17\+xt*\f*
\q and his ear is~not too~deaf to~hear.
\q1
\v 2 But your iniquities~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:2 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* are~separating~you
\q from your~God,
\q and your sins have~hidden~his~face from~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:2 \ft \+xt Dt 31:17–18; 32:20; Is 50:6; Ezk 39:29; Mc 3:4\+xt*\f*
\q so that he does~not~listen.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:2 \ft \+xt Dt 3:26; 23:5; Jb 35:13; Is 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 For your hands are~defiled with~blood
\q and your fingers, with~iniquity;
\q your lips have~spoken~lies,
\q and your tongues mutter~injustice.
\q1
\v 4 No one makes claims~justly;
\q no one pleads~honestly.
\q They trust in empty and~worthless~words;
\q they conceive trouble and~give~birth to~iniquity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:4 \ft \+xt Jb 15:35; Ps 7:14; Is 33:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 They hatch viper’s~eggs
\q and weave spider’s~webs.
\q Whoever eats their~eggs will~die;
\q crack one open, and~a~viper is~hatched.
\q1
\v 6 Their webs cannot become~clothing,
\q and they cannot cover~themselves with~their~works.
\q Their works are sinful~works,
\q and violent acts are in~their~hands.
\q1
\v 7 Their feet run after~evil,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:7–8 \ft \+xt Rm 3:15–17\+xt*\f*
\q and they rush to~shed innocent~blood.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:7 \ft \+xt Pr 1:16; 6:17\+xt*\f*
\q Their thoughts are sinful~thoughts;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:7 \ft \+xt Mk 7:21–22\+xt*\f*
\q ruin and wretchedness are in~their~paths.
\q1
\v 8 They have not known the~path of~peace,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:8 \ft \+xt Lk 1:79\+xt*\f*
\q and there is no justice in~their~ways.
\q They have made their~roads~crooked;
\q no one who walks on~them will~know~peace.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:8 \ft \+xt Is 57:20–21\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 9 Therefore justice is~far from~us,
\q and righteousness does~not reach~us.
\q We hope for light, but~there~is~darkness;
\q for brightness, but~we~live in~the~night.
\q1
\v 10 We grope along a~wall like~the~blind;
\q we grope like those without~eyes.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:10 \ft \+xt Dt 28:29; Jb 5:14\+xt*\f*
\q We stumble at noon as~though it~were~twilight;
\q we are like the dead among~those who~are~healthy.
\q1
\v 11 We all growl like~bears
\q and moan like~doves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:11 \ft \+xt Is 38:14; Ezk 7:16\+xt*\f*
\q We hope for justice, but~there~is~none;
\q for salvation, but~it~is far~from~us.
\q1
\v 12 For our transgressions have~multiplied before~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:12 \ft \+xt Ezr 9:6\+xt*\f*
\q and our sins testify against~us.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:12 \ft \+xt Is 3:9; Jr 14:7; Hs 5:5\+xt*\f*
\q For our transgressions are with~us,
\q and we know our~iniquities:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:12 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 transgression and~deception against~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q turning away from~following our~God,
\q speaking oppression and~revolt,
\q conceiving and uttering lying~words from~the~heart.
\q1
\v 14 Justice is turned back,
\q and righteousness stands far~off.
\q For truth has stumbled in~the~public~square,
\q and honesty cannot~enter.
\q1
\v 15 Truth is~missing,
\q and whoever turns from~evil is~plundered.
\b
\q The \nd Lord\nd* saw that there~was no~justice,
\q and he was~offended.
\q1
\v 16 He saw that there was no~man~—
\q he was amazed that there~was no~one~interceding;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:16 \ft \+xt Is 41:28; 63:5; Ezk 22:30\+xt*\f*
\q so his own arm brought~salvation,
\q and his own righteousness supported~him.
\q1
\v 17 He put on righteousness as~body armor,
\q and a helmet of salvation on~his~head;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:17 \ft \+xt Eph 6:14,17; 1Th 5:8\+xt*\f*
\q he put on garments of~vengeance for~clothing,
\q and he wrapped himself in~zeal as~in~a~cloak.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:17 \ft \+xt Is 9:7; 37:32; Zch 1:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 So he will repay according~to their~deeds:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:18 \ft \+xt Jr 25:14; Rv 22:12\+xt*\f*
\q fury to~his~enemies,
\q retribution to~his~foes,
\q and he will repay the~coasts and islands.
\q1
\v 19 They will fear the~name of~the~\nd Lord\nd* in~the~west
\q and his glory in~the~east;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 59:19 \ft Lit \fqa sunrise\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:19 \ft \+xt Ps 113:3\+xt*\f*
\q for he will come like~a~rushing~stream~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:19 \ft \+xt Is 30:28; 66:12\+xt*\f*
\q driven by the wind of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 20 “The Redeemer~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:20 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f* will~come to~Zion,
\q and to those in~Jacob who~turn from~transgression.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:20–21 \ft \+xt Ezk 18:30–31; Rm 11:26–27\+xt*\f*
\qm This~is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration.
\b
\p
\v 21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:21 \ft \+xt Jr 31:31–34\+xt*\f* says the \nd Lord\nd*: “My Spirit who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 59:21 \ft \+xt Is 51:16\+xt*\f* will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of your children’s children, from now on and forever,” says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\c 60
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*’s Glory in Zion
\q1
\v 1 Arise, shine, for~your~light has~come,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:1 \ft \+xt Is 9:2; 26:19; 30:26; 51:17; 52:2; Eph 5:14\+xt*\f*
\q and the glory of~the~\nd Lord\nd*~shines over~you.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 60:1 \ft = Jerusalem\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:1 \ft \+xt Is 40:5; 58:8; Mal 4:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 For look, darkness will cover~the~earth,
\q and total darkness the~peoples;
\q but the \nd Lord\nd* will~shine over~you,
\q and his glory will~appear over~you.
\q1
\v 3 Nations will come to~your~light,
\q and kings to~your~shining~brightness.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:3 \ft \+xt Is 42:6; 49:6; Rv 21:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Raise your eyes and~look~around:
\q they all gather and~come to~you;
\q your sons will come from~far~away,
\q and your daughters on~the~hips of~nursing~mothers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:4 \ft \+xt Is 49:18–22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Then you will see and~be~radiant,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:5 \ft \+xt Ps 34:5\+xt*\f*
\q and your heart will~tremble and~rejoice,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 60:5 \ft Lit \fqa expand\f*
\q because the riches of~the~sea will~become~yours
\q and the wealth of~the~nations will~come to~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:5 \ft \+xt Is 61:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Caravans of camels will~cover your~land~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 60:6 \ft Lit \fqa cover you\f*~—
\q young camels of~Midian and~Ephah~—
\q all of them will~come from~Sheba.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:6 \ft \+xt Gn 25:3; Ps 72:10\+xt*\f*
\q They will carry~gold and~frankincense~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:6 \ft \+xt Mt 2:11\+xt*\f*
\q and proclaim the~praises of~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 7 All the flocks of~Kedar will~be~gathered to~you;
\q the rams of~Nebaioth will~serve~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:7 \ft \+xt Gn 25:13\+xt*\f*
\q and go up on~my~altar as~an~acceptable~sacrifice.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:7 \ft \+xt Is 19:19; 56:7\+xt*\f*
\q I will glorify my~beautiful~house.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:7 \ft \+xt Is 60:13; Hg 2:7,9\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 Who are these who~fly like~a~cloud,
\q like doves to~their~shelters?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:8 \ft \+xt Hs 11:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 Yes, the coasts and islands will~wait for~me~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:9 \ft \+xt Is 51:5\+xt*\f*
\q with the ships of~Tarshish in~the~lead,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:9 \ft \+xt Ps 48:7; Is 2:16\+xt*\f*
\q to bring your children from~far~away,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:9 \ft \+xt Is 14:2; 43:6; 49:22\+xt*\f*
\q their silver and~gold with~them,
\q for the honor of~the~\nd Lord\nd* your~God,
\q the Holy One of~Israel,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:9 \ft \+xt Is 1:4; 60:14\+xt*\f*
\q who has glorified~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:9 \ft \+xt Is 55:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Foreigners will rebuild~your~walls,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:10 \ft \+xt Is 14:1–2; 61:5; Zch 6:15\+xt*\f*
\q and their kings will serve~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:10 \ft \+xt Is 49:7,23; Rv 21:24\+xt*\f*
\q Although I struck you in~my~wrath,
\q yet I will show mercy to~you with~my~favor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:10 \ft \+xt Hab 3:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 Your city gates will always be~open;
\q they will never be shut day~or~night
\q so that the wealth of~the~nations
\q may be brought into~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:11 \ft \+xt Rv 21:25–26\+xt*\f*
\q with their kings being~led in~procession.
\q1
\v 12 For the nation and~the~kingdom
\q that will not serve you~will~perish;
\q those nations will~be~annihilated.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:12 \ft \+xt Zch 14:17–19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 The glory of Lebanon will~come to~you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:13 \ft \+xt Is 35:2\+xt*\f*~—
\q its pine, elm, and~cypress~together~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:13 \ft \+xt Is 41:19\+xt*\f*~—
\q to beautify the~place of~my~sanctuary,
\q and I will glorify my~dwelling~place.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 60:13 \ft Lit \fqa glorify the place of my feet\f*
\q1
\v 14 The sons of~your~oppressors
\q will come and~bow~down to~you;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:14 \ft \+xt Is 14:1–2; Zch 8:23\+xt*\f*
\q all who reviled you
\q will fall facedown at~your~feet.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:14 \ft \+xt Is 49:23; Rv 3:9\+xt*\f*
\q They will call you the~City of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q Zion of the Holy One of~Israel.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:14 \ft \+xt Is 1:26\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 Instead of your being~deserted and~hated,
\q with no one passing~through,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:15 \ft \+xt Is 34:10\+xt*\f*
\q I will make you an~object of~eternal~pride,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:15 \ft \+xt Is 65:18\+xt*\f*
\q a joy from age to age.
\q1
\v 16 You will nurse on the milk of~nations,
\q and nurse at the breast of~kings;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:16 \ft \+xt Is 49:23; 66:11–12\+xt*\f*
\q you will know that I, the \nd Lord\nd*, am~your~Savior~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:16 \ft \+xt Is 43:3; 49:26\+xt*\f*
\q and Redeemer,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:16 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f* the~Mighty~One of~Jacob.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:16 \ft \+xt Gn 49:24; Ps 132:2,5; Is 49:26\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 17 I will bring gold instead~of~bronze;
\q I will bring silver instead~of~iron,
\q bronze instead~of~wood,
\q and iron instead~of~stones.
\q I will appoint peace as~your~government
\q and righteousness as~your~overseers.
\q1
\v 18 Violence will never~again be~heard~of in~your~land;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:18 \ft \+xt Is 11:9\+xt*\f*
\q devastation and destruction
\q will be gone from~your~borders.
\q You will call your walls~Salvation~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:18 \ft \+xt Is 26:1\+xt*\f*
\q and your city gates Praise.
\q1
\v 19 The sun will no~longer~be your~light by~day,
\q and the brightness of~the~moon will~not~shine on~you.
\q The \nd Lord\nd* will~be your~everlasting~light,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:19 \ft \+xt Zch 14:6–7; Rv 21:23; 22:5\+xt*\f*
\q and your God will~be your~splendor.
\q1
\v 20 Your sun will no~longer~set,
\q and your moon will~not~fade;
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* will~be your~everlasting~light,
\q and the days of~your~sorrow will~be~over.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:20 \ft \+xt Is 35:10; 65:19; Rv 21:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 All your people will~be~righteous;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:21 \ft \+xt Is 52:1\+xt*\f*
\q they will possess the~land~forever;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:21 \ft \+xt Ps 37:9; Ezk 37:25\+xt*\f*
\q they are the~branch I~planted,
\q the work of~my~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 60:21 \ft LXX, DSS read \fqa his\f*~hands,
\q so that I may be~glorified.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 60:21 \ft \+xt Is 61:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 The least will become a~thousand,
\q the smallest a~mighty~nation.
\q I am the \nd Lord\nd*;
\q I will accomplish it~quickly in~its~time.
\c 61
\s1 Messiah’s Jubilee
\q1
\v 1 The Spirit of the Lord \nd God\nd* is on~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:1–2 \ft \+xt Is 11:2; 42:1; 48:16; Lk 4:18–19\+xt*\f*
\q because the \nd Lord\nd* has~anointed~me
\q to bring good news to~the~poor.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:1 \ft \+xt Lk 7:22\+xt*\f*
\q He has sent me to~heal~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 61:1 \ft Lit \fqa bind up\f* the~brokenhearted,
\q to proclaim liberty to~the~captives
\q and freedom to~the~prisoners;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:1 \ft \+xt Is 42:7; 49:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 to proclaim the~year of~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~favor,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:2 \ft \+xt Is 49:8\+xt*\f*
\q and the day of~our~God’s~vengeance;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:2 \ft \+xt Is 2:12; 13:6; 34:2,8\+xt*\f*
\q to comfort~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:2 \ft \+xt Is 40:1\+xt*\f* all who~mourn,
\q1
\v 3 to provide for those who~mourn in~Zion;
\q to give them a crown of~beauty instead~of~ashes,
\q festive oil instead~of~mourning,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:3 \ft \+xt Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9\+xt*\f*
\q and splendid clothes instead~of~despair.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 61:3 \ft Lit \fqa a dim spirit\f*
\q And they will be called righteous~trees,
\q planted by~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q to glorify him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:3 \ft \+xt Is 60:21; Jr 17:7–8\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 4 They will rebuild the~ancient~ruins;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:4 \ft \+xt Is 49:8; 58:12; Ezk 36:33; Am 9:14\+xt*\f*
\q they will restore the~former~devastations;
\q they will renew the~ruined~cities,
\q the devastations of~many~generations.
\q1
\v 5 Strangers will stand and~feed your~flocks,
\q and foreigners will be your~plowmen and~vinedressers.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:5 \ft \+xt Is 14:2; 60:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 But you will be called the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~priests;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:6 \ft \+xt Ex 19:6; Is 66:21; 1Pt 2:5,9\+xt*\f*
\q they will speak of~you as~ministers of~our~God;
\q you will eat the~wealth of~the~nations,
\q and you will boast in~their~riches.
\q1
\v 7 In place of your shame, you will have a~double portion;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:7 \ft \+xt Is 54:4\+xt*\f*
\q in place of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share.
\q So they will possess double in~their~land,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:7 \ft \+xt Is 40:2; Zch 9:12\+xt*\f*
\q and eternal joy will~be~theirs.
\b
\q1
\v 8 For I the \nd Lord\nd* love~justice;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:8 \ft \+xt Ps 11:7; Is 59:15\+xt*\f*
\q I hate robbery and~injustice;~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 61:8 \ft Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg; other Hb mss read \fqa robbery with a burnt offering\f*
\q I will faithfully reward~my people
\q and make a~permanent~covenant~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:8 \ft \+xt Is 24:5; 55:3\+xt*\f* with~them.
\q1
\v 9 Their descendants will~be~known among~the~nations,
\q and their posterity among~the~peoples.
\q All who see them will~recognize
\q that they are a~people the~\nd Lord\nd* has~blessed.
\b
\q1
\v 10 I rejoice greatly in~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q I exult in~my~God;
\q for he has clothed me with~the~garments of~salvation
\q and wrapped me in~a~robe of~righteousness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:10 \ft \+xt Is 49:18; 52:1; 59:17\+xt*\f*
\q as a groom wears a~turban
\q and as a bride adorns~herself with~her~jewels.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:10 \ft \+xt Rv 21:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 For as the earth produces its~growth,
\q and as a garden enables what~is~sown to~spring~up,
\q so the Lord \nd God\nd* will~cause~righteousness and~praise
\q to spring up before~all~the~nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 61:11 \ft \+xt Is 45:23–24; 60:18,21\+xt*\f*
\c 62
\s1 Zion’s Restoration
\q1
\v 1 I will not keep silent because~of~Zion,
\q and I will not keep still because~of~Jerusalem,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:1 \ft \+xt Ps 83:1; Is 64:12; 65:6\+xt*\f*
\q until her righteousness shines like~a~bright~light~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:1 \ft \+xt Is 1:26; 58:8; 61:11\+xt*\f*
\q and her salvation, like~a~flaming~torch.
\q1
\v 2 Nations will see your~righteousness~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:2 \ft \+xt Is 60:3\+xt*\f*
\q and all kings, your~glory.
\q You will be given a~new~name
\q that the \nd Lord\nd*’s mouth will~announce.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:2 \ft \+xt Is 60:14; Rv 2:17; 3:12\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 You will be a~glorious~crown in~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~hand,
\q and a royal diadem in~the~palm of~your~God’s hand.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:3 \ft \+xt Is 28:5; Zch 9:16; 1Th 2:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 You will no longer be~called~Deserted,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:4 \ft \+xt Is 54:6–7; 60:15,18\+xt*\f*
\q and your land will~not be~called~Desolate;
\q instead, you will be called My~Delight Is~in~Her,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 62:4 \ft Or \fqa Hephzibah\f*
\q and your land Married;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 62:4 \ft Or \fqa Beulah\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:4 \ft \+xt Hs 2:19–20\+xt*\f*
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* delights in~you,
\q and your land will~be~married.
\q1
\v 5 For as a young man marries a~young~woman,
\q so your sons will~marry~you;
\q and as a groom rejoices over~his~bride,
\q so your God will~rejoice over~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:5 \ft \+xt Is 65:19\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 6 Jerusalem,
\q I have appointed watchmen on~your~walls;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:6 \ft \+xt Is 52:8; Jr 6:17; Ezk 3:17; 33:7\+xt*\f*
\q they will never be~silent, day~or~night.
\q There is no rest for~you,
\q who remind the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 7 Do not give him rest
\q until he establishes and~makes~Jerusalem
\q the praise of~the~earth.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:7 \ft \+xt Is 60:18; Jr 33:9; Zph 3:19–20\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 The \nd Lord\nd* has sworn with~his~right~hand
\q and his strong arm:
\q I will no longer give your~grain
\q to your enemies for~food,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:8 \ft \+xt Lv 26:16; Dt 28:31,33; Jdg 6:3–6; Is 1:7; Jr 5:17\+xt*\f*
\q and foreigners will~not~drink the~new~wine
\q for which you have labored.
\q1
\v 9 For those who~gather~grain will~eat~it
\q and praise the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q and those who harvest the~grapes will~drink the~wine
\q in my holy courts.
\b
\q1
\v 10 Go out, go out through~the~city gates;
\q prepare a way for~the~people!
\q Build it up, build~up the~highway;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:10 \ft \+xt Is 11:16; 19:23; 35:8; 49:11; 57:14\+xt*\f*
\q clear away the~stones!
\q Raise a banner for~the~peoples.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:10 \ft \+xt Is 11:10,12; 49:22\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 Look, the \nd Lord\nd* has~proclaimed
\q to the ends of~the~earth,
\q “Say to~Daughter~Zion:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:11 \ft \+xt Zch 9:9; Mt 21:5\+xt*\f*
\q Look, your salvation is~coming,
\q his wages are with~him,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:11 \ft \+xt Is 40:10; Rv 22:12\+xt*\f*
\q and his reward accompanies~him.”
\q1
\v 12 And they will be called~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 62:12 \ft Lit \fqa will call them\f* the~Holy~People,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 62:12 \ft \+xt Dt 7:6; Is 4:3; 1Pt 2:9\+xt*\f*
\q the \nd Lord\nd*’s Redeemed;
\q and you will~be~called Cared~For,
\q A City Not Deserted.
\c 63
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*’s Day of Vengeance
\q1
\v 1 Who is this coming from~Edom~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:1 \ft \+xt Ps 137:7; Is 34:5–6; Ezk 25:12–14; 35:1–15; Ob 1–14; Mal 1:2–5\+xt*\f*
\q in crimson-stained garments from~Bozrah~—
\q this one who is splendid in~his~apparel,
\q striding in his formidable~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 63:1 \ft Syr, Vg read \fqa apparel, striding forward in\f* might?
\b
\q It is I, proclaiming~vindication,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:1 \ft Or \fqa righteousness\f*
\q powerful to~save.
\b
\q1
\v 2 Why are your~clothes~red,
\q and your garments like~one who~treads a~winepress?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:2 \ft \+xt Rv 19:13–15\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 3 I trampled the~winepress~alone,
\q and no one from~the~nations was with~me.
\q I trampled them in~my~anger
\q and ground them underfoot in~my~fury;
\q their blood spattered my~garments,
\q and all my clothes were~stained.
\q1
\v 4 For I planned the~day of~vengeance,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:4 \ft \+xt Is 34:8; 61:2; Jr 46:10\+xt*\f*
\q and the year of~my~redemption~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:4 \ft Or \fqa blood retribution\f*~came.
\q1
\v 5 I looked, but there was no~one to~help,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:5 \ft \+xt Is 59:16\+xt*\f*
\q and I was amazed that~no~one~assisted;
\q so my arm accomplished victory for~me,
\q and my wrath assisted~me.
\q1
\v 6 I crushed nations in~my~anger;
\q I made them drunk with~my~wrath~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:6 \ft \+xt Is 29:9; 51:17; Jr 51:39\+xt*\f*
\q and poured out their~blood on~the~ground.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:6 \ft \+xt Rv 14:20\+xt*\f*
\s1 Remembrance of Grace
\q1
\v 7 I will make known the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~faithful~love
\q and the \nd Lord\nd*’s praiseworthy~acts,
\q because of all~the~\nd Lord\nd* has~done for~us~—
\q even the many good~things
\q he has done for~the~house of~Israel,
\q which he did for them based~on his~compassion
\q and the abundance of his~faithful~love.
\q1
\v 8 He said, “They are indeed my~people,
\q children who will not be~disloyal,”
\q and he became their~Savior.
\q1
\v 9 In all their suffering, he~suffered,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 63:9 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa did not suffer\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:9 \ft \+xt Jdg 10:16\+xt*\f*
\q and the angel of~his~presence saved~them.
\q He redeemed them
\q because of his~love and~compassion;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:9 \ft \+xt Dt 7:7–8\+xt*\f*
\q he lifted them up and~carried~them
\q all the days of~the~past.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:9 \ft \+xt Dt 1:31; 32:10–12; Is 46:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 But they rebelled
\q and grieved his~Holy~Spirit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:10 \ft \+xt Ps 51:11; 78:40; 106:33; Is 48:16; Ac 7:51; Eph 4:30\+xt*\f*
\q So he became their~enemy
\q and fought against~them.
\q1
\v 11 Then he~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:11 \ft Or \fqa they\f* remembered the~days of~the~past,
\q the days of Moses and~his~people.
\q Where is he who brought~them out~of~the~sea
\q with the shepherds~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 63:11 \ft LXX, Tg, Syr read \fqa shepherd\f* of~his~flock?
\q Where is he who put his~Holy~Spirit among~the~flock?
\q1
\v 12 He made his~glorious~strength
\q available at the right hand of Moses,
\q divided the water before~them~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:12 \ft \+xt Ex 14:21; Ps 74:13\+xt*\f*
\q to make an eternal name for~himself,
\q1
\v 13 and led them through~the~depths
\q like a horse in~the~wilderness,
\q so that they did not~stumble.
\q1
\v 14 Like cattle that~go~down into~the~valley,
\q the Spirit of~the~\nd Lord\nd* gave~them~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:14 \ft Lit \fqa him\f*~rest.
\q You led your people this~way
\q to make a~glorious~name for~yourself.
\s1 Israel’s Prayer
\q1
\v 15 Look down from~heaven and~see~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:15 \ft \+xt Dt 26:15; Ps 80:14\+xt*\f*
\q from your lofty home~#—~#holy~and~beautiful.
\q Where is your zeal and~your~might?
\q Your yearning~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:15 \ft Lit \fqa The agitation of your inward parts\f* and~your~compassion
\q are withheld from~me.
\q1
\v 16 Yet you are our~Father,
\q even though Abraham does~not know~us
\q and Israel doesn’t recognize~us.
\q You, \nd Lord\nd*, are our~Father;
\q your name is Our~Redeemer~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:16 \ft \+xt Is 41:14; 43:14\+xt*\f*
\q from Ancient Times.
\q1
\v 17 Why, \nd Lord\nd*, do you make~us~stray from~your~ways?
\q You harden our hearts so~we~do~not fear~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:17 \ft Lit \fqa our heart from fearing\f*~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:17 \ft \+xt Is 6:10\+xt*\f*
\q Return, because of your~servants,
\q the tribes of your~heritage.
\q1
\v 18 Your holy people had~a~possession~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 63:18 \ft Or \fqa Your people possessed your holy place\f*
\q for a little while,
\q but our enemies have~trampled~down
\q your sanctuary.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:18 \ft \+xt Ps 74:3–7; Is 64:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 We have become like~those you~never~ruled,
\q like those who did not bear your~name.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 63:19 \ft \+xt Dt 28:10; Is 43:7; 65:1\+xt*\f*
\c 64
\q1
\v 1 If only you would tear the~heavens~open
\q and come down,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:1 \ft \+xt Ex 19:18; Ps 18:9; 144:5\+xt*\f*
\q so that mountains would~quake at~your~presence~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:1 \ft \+xt Jdg 5:5; Ps 68:8; Nah 1:5\+xt*\f*~—
\q1
\v 2 just as fire kindles brushwood,
\q and fire boils~water~—
\q to make your name known to~your~enemies,
\q so that nations would~tremble at~your~presence!
\q1
\v 3 When you did awesome~works~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:3 \ft \+xt Dt 10:21; 2Sm 7:23; Ps 65:5\+xt*\f*
\q that we did not expect,
\q you came down,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:3 \ft \+xt Mc 1:3–4; Hab 3:13\+xt*\f*
\q and the mountains quaked at~your~presence.
\q1
\v 4 From ancient times no~one has~heard,
\q no one has~listened to,
\q no eye has seen any~God except~you
\q who acts on behalf of~the~one who~waits for~him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:4 \ft \+xt 1Co 2:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 You welcome the~one who~joyfully does what~is~right;
\q they remember you in~your~ways.
\q But we have sinned, and~you were~angry.
\q How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 64:5 \ft Lit \fqa angry; in them continually and we will be saved\ft ; Hb obscure\f*
\q1
\v 6 All of us have become like~something~unclean,
\q and all our righteous acts are like~a~polluted~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 64:6 \ft Lit \fqa menstrual\f*~garment;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:6 \ft \+xt Is 61:10; Php 3:7–9\+xt*\f*
\q all of us wither like~a~leaf,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:6 \ft \+xt Ps 90:5–6; Is 1:30\+xt*\f*
\q and our iniquities~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:6 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f* carry us away like~the~wind.
\q1
\v 7 No one calls on~your~name,
\q striving to take hold of~you.
\q For you have hidden your~face from~us~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:7 \ft \+xt Is 54:8\+xt*\f*
\q and made us melt because~of~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 64:7 \ft LXX, Syr, Vg, Tg read \fqa and delivered us into the hand of\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 64:7 \ft Lit \fqa melt by the hand of\f* our~iniquity.
\b
\q1
\v 8 Yet \nd Lord\nd*, you are our~Father;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:8 \ft \+xt Is 63:16\+xt*\f*
\q we are the clay, and~you~are our~potter;
\q we all are the work of~your~hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:8 \ft \+xt Is 29:16; 45:9; Jr 18:2–6; Rm 9:20–21\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 \nd Lord\nd*, do not be~terribly~angry
\q or remember our~iniquity~forever.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:9 \ft \+xt Is 43:25; 57:17; Mc 7:18\+xt*\f*
\q Please look~#—~#all~of~us are your~people!
\q1
\v 10 Your holy cities have~become a~wilderness;
\q Zion has become a~wilderness,
\q Jerusalem a~desolation.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:10 \ft \+xt Is 62:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 Our holy and~beautiful~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 64:11 \ft Or \fqa glorious\ft ; Is 60:7\f*~temple,
\q where our~ancestors praised~you,
\q has been burned down,
\q and all that was dear to~us lies in~ruins.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:11 \ft \+xt 2Kg 25:9; Ps 74:5–7; Is 63:18; Mt 23:38\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 \nd Lord\nd*, after all this, will~you restrain~yourself?
\q Will you keep silent and~afflict us~severely?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 64:12 \ft \+xt Is 42:14\+xt*\f*
\c 65
\s1 The \nd Lord\nd*’s Response
\q1
\v 1 “I was sought by~those who~did~not~ask;
\q I was found by~those who~did~not~seek~me.
\q I said, ‘Here~I~am, here~I~am,’
\q to a nation that did~not~call on~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:1 \ft Or \fqa that was not called by\f*~my~name.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:1 \ft \+xt Is 63:19; Hs 1:10; Rm 10:20; Jms 2:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 I spread out my~hands all~day~long
\q to a rebellious people~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:2 \ft \+xt Rm 10:21\+xt*\f*
\q who walk in~the~path that is not good,
\q following their~own~thoughts.
\q1
\v 3 These people continually~anger~me
\q to my face,
\q sacrificing in~gardens,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:3 \ft \+xt Is 1:29; 66:17\+xt*\f*
\q burning incense on~bricks,
\q1
\v 4 sitting among~the~graves,
\q spending nights in~secret~places,
\q eating the meat of pigs,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:4 \ft \+xt Lv 11:7; Is 66:3,17\+xt*\f*
\q and putting polluted~broth in~their~bowls.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 65:3–4 \ft These vv. describe pagan worship.\f*
\q1
\v 5 They say, ‘Keep~to~yourself,
\q don’t come near me, for I~am too~holy for~you!~’
\q These practices are~smoke in~my~nostrils,
\q a fire that burns all~day~long.
\q1
\v 6 Look, it is written in front of me:
\q I will not keep silent,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:6 \ft \+xt Ps 50:3,21; Is 42:14; 64:12\+xt*\f* but~I~will~repay;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:6 \ft \+xt Jr 16:18\+xt*\f*
\q I will repay them~fully~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:6 \ft Lit \fqa repay into their lap\f*
\q1
\v 7 for your iniquities and~the~iniquities~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:7 \ft \+xt Is 13:11\+xt*\f*
\q of your~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 65:7 \ft LXX, Syr read \fqa for their iniquities and the iniquities of their\f*~ancestors~together,”
\q says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q “Because they burned incense on~the~mountains
\q and reproached me on~the~hills,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:7 \ft \+xt Ezk 20:27–28; Hs 9:10; Zch 8:14; Mal 3:7\+xt*\f*
\q I will reward them fully~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:7 \ft Lit \fqa reward into their lap\f*
\q for their former deeds.”
\b
\p
\v 8 The \nd Lord\nd* says this:
\q “As the new wine is~found in~a~bunch of~grapes,
\q and one says, ‘Don’t~destroy~it,
\q for there’s some~good~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:8 \ft Or \fqa there’s a blessing\f* in~it,’
\q so I will act because~of my~servants
\q and not destroy them~all.
\q1
\v 9 I will produce descendants from~Jacob,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:9 \ft \+xt Jr 31:36–37\+xt*\f*
\q and heirs to my mountains from~Judah;
\q my chosen~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:9 \ft \+xt Is 41:8\+xt*\f* ones will~possess~it,
\q and my servants will~dwell~there.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:9 \ft \+xt Is 49:8; 60:21; Am 9:11–15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Sharon will be a~pasture for~flocks,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:10 \ft \+xt Is 33:9; 35:2\+xt*\f*
\q and the Valley of~Achor a~place for~herds to~lie~down,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:10 \ft \+xt Jos 7:26; Hs 2:15\+xt*\f*
\q for my people who~have~sought~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:10 \ft \+xt Is 51:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 But you who~abandon the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q who forget my~holy~mountain,
\q who prepare a~table for~Fortune
\q and fill bowls of~mixed~wine for~Destiny,~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 65:11 \ft Pagan gods\f*
\q1
\v 12 I will destine you for~the~sword,
\q and all of you will~kneel~down to~be~slaughtered,
\q because I called and~you~did~not~answer,
\q I spoke and~you~did~not~hear;
\q you did what was evil in~my~sight
\q and chose what I did~not delight~in.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:12 \ft \+xt 2Ch 36:15–16; Pr 1:24; Is 41:28; 50:2; 66:4; Jr 7:13\+xt*\f*
\b
\p
\v 13 Therefore, this is what the Lord \nd God\nd* says:
\q “Look! My servants will~eat,
\q but you will~be~hungry.
\q Look! My servants will~drink,
\q but you will~be~thirsty.
\q Look! My servants will~rejoice,
\q but you will~be put~to~shame.
\q1
\v 14 Look! My servants will~shout for~joy from~a~glad~heart,
\q but you will cry out from~an~anguished~heart,
\q and you will lament out~of a~broken~spirit.
\q1
\v 15 You will leave your~name~behind
\q as a curse for~my~chosen~ones,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:15 \ft \+xt Jr 24:9; 25:18; Zch 8:13\+xt*\f*
\q and the Lord \nd God\nd* will~kill~you;
\q but he will give his~servants another~name.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:15 \ft \+xt Is 62:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 Whoever asks for a blessing in~the~land
\q will ask for a blessing by~the~God of~truth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:16 \ft \+xt Ps 31:5; 2Co 1:20; Rv 3:7,14\+xt*\f*
\q and whoever swears in~the~land
\q will swear by~the~God of~truth.
\q For the former troubles will~be~forgotten
\q and hidden from~my~sight.
\s1 A New Creation
\q1
\v 17 “For I will create new~heavens and~a~new~earth;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:17 \ft \+xt Is 66:22; 2Pt 3:13; Rv 21:1\+xt*\f*
\q the past events will not be~remembered or~come to~mind.
\q1
\v 18 Then be glad and~rejoice~forever
\q in what I~am~creating;
\q for I will create Jerusalem to~be a~joy
\q and its people to~be a~delight.
\q1
\v 19 I will rejoice in~Jerusalem
\q and be glad in~my~people.
\q The sound of~weeping and~crying
\q will no longer be~heard in~her.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:19 \ft \+xt Is 25:8; 30:19; 35:10; 51:11; Rv 7:17; 21:4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 In her, a nursing infant will~no~longer~live
\q only a few days,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:20 \ft Lit \fqa her, no longer infant of days\f*
\q or an old man not~live~out his~days.
\q Indeed, the one who dies at~a~hundred years~old
\q will be mourned as a~young~man,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:20 \ft Lit \fqa the youth of a hundred years will die\f*
\q and the one who misses a~hundred~years
\q will be considered cursed.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:20 \ft \+xt Ec 8:12–13; Is 3:11; 22:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 People will build houses and~live in~them;
\q they will plant vineyards and~eat their~fruit.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:21 \ft \+xt Jos 24:13; Is 37:30; Jr 29:5,28; Ezk 28:26; Zph 1:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 22 They will not build and~others~live in~them;
\q they will not plant and~others~eat.
\q For my people’s lives will~be
\q like the~lifetime of~a~tree.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:22 \ft \+xt Ps 92:12–14\+xt*\f*
\q My chosen ones will~fully~enjoy
\q the work of~their~hands.
\q1
\v 23 They will not labor without~success~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:23 \ft \+xt Dt 28:3–12; Is 55:2\+xt*\f*
\q or bear children destined for~disaster,
\q for they will be a people blessed by~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q along with their descendants.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:23 \ft \+xt Is 61:9\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 24 Even before they call, I~will~answer;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:24 \ft \+xt Ps 91:15; Is 55:6; 58:9; Dn 9:20–23; 10:12\+xt*\f*
\q while they are still speaking, I~will~hear.
\q1
\v 25 The wolf and the lamb will~feed~together,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 65:25 \ft Lit \fqa as one\f*
\q and the lion will eat straw like~cattle,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:25 \ft \+xt Is 11:6–9\+xt*\f*
\q but the serpent’s food will~be~dust!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:25 \ft \+xt Gn 3:14; Mc 7:17\+xt*\f*
\q They will not do what~is~evil or~destroy
\q on my entire holy~mountain,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 65:25 \ft \+xt Is 11:9; 27:13; 56:7\+xt*\f*
\q says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\c 66
\s1 Final Judgment and Joyous Restoration
\m
\v 1 This is what the \nd Lord\nd* says:
\q Heaven~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:1–2 \ft \+xt Ac 7:49–50\+xt*\f* is my~throne,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:1 \ft \+xt Ps 11:4; Mt 5:34–35; 23:22\+xt*\f*
\q and earth is my~footstool.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:1 \ft \+xt 1Ch 28:2; Ps 99:5\+xt*\f*
\q Where could you possibly~build a house for~me?
\q And where would my resting place be?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:1 \ft \+xt 2Sm 7:5; 1Kg 8:27; Jr 23:24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 My hand made all~these~things,
\q and so they all~came into~being.
\qm This~is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration.
\q I will look favorably on~this~kind of~person:
\q one who is humble,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:2 \ft \+xt Ps 86:1; Pr 16:19; Mt 11:29\+xt*\f* submissive~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 66:2 \ft Lit \fqa broken\f*~in~spirit,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:2 \ft \+xt Ps 34:18; Mt 5:3; 1Tm 2:11\+xt*\f*
\q and trembles at~my~word.
\q1
\v 3 One person slaughters an~ox, another~kills a~person;
\q one person sacrifices a~lamb, another~breaks a~dog’s~neck;
\q one person offers a~grain~offering, another~offers pig’s~blood;
\q one person offers incense, another~praises an~idol~—
\q all these have chosen their~ways
\q and delight in~their~abhorrent~practices.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:3 \ft \+xt Am 5:21–25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 So I will choose their~punishment,
\q and I will bring on~them what~they~dread
\q because I called and~no~one~answered;
\q I spoke and~they~did not listen;
\q they did what was evil in~my~sight
\q and chose what~I did not~delight~in.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:4 \ft \+xt 2Kg 21:2,6; Is 59:7; 65:12; Jr 7:30\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 5 You who tremble at~his~word,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:5 \ft \+xt Ezr 9:4; 10:3\+xt*\f*
\q hear the word of~the~\nd Lord\nd*:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:5 \ft \+xt Is 28:14\+xt*\f*
\q “Your brothers who~hate and~exclude~you
\q for my name’s sake have~said,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:5 \ft \+xt Mt 5:10–12; 10:22; Jn 9:34; 15:18–20\+xt*\f*
\q ‘Let the \nd Lord\nd* be~glorified
\q so that we can see your~joy!~’
\q But they will be put~to~shame.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:5 \ft \+xt Is 26:11; 44:9; 65:13\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 6 A sound of uproar from~the~city!
\q A voice from~the~temple~—
\q the voice of~the~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q paying back his~enemies what~they~deserve!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:6 \ft \+xt Is 59:18; 65:6; Jl 3:7\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 7 Before Zion was in~labor, she~gave~birth;
\q before she was in~pain, she~delivered a~boy.
\q1
\v 8 Who has heard of such~a~thing?
\q Who has seen such~things?
\q Can a land be born in~one~day
\q or a nation be delivered in~an~instant?
\q Yet as soon as Zion was in~labor,
\q she gave birth to~her~sons.
\q1
\v 9 “Will I bring a baby to~the~point of~birth
\q and not deliver it?~”
\q says the \nd Lord\nd*;
\q “or will I who deliver, close~the~womb?~”
\q says your God.
\q1
\v 10 Be glad for Jerusalem and~rejoice over~her,
\q all who love her.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:10 \ft \+xt Ps 122:6; 137:6; Is 65:18\+xt*\f*
\q Rejoice greatly with~her,
\q all who mourn over~her~—
\q1
\v 11 so that you may nurse and~be~satisfied
\q from her comforting breast
\q and drink deeply and~delight~yourselves
\q from her glorious breasts.
\b
\p
\v 12 For this is what the \nd Lord\nd* says:
\q I will make peace flow to~her like~a~river,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:12 \ft \+xt Ps 72:3,7; Is 48:18\+xt*\f*
\q and the wealth~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 66:12 \ft Or \fqa glory\f* of~nations like~a~flood;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:12 \ft \+xt Is 61:6\+xt*\f*
\q you will nurse and~be~carried on~her~hip~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:12 \ft \+xt Is 60:4–5\+xt*\f*
\q and bounced on~her~lap.
\q1
\v 13 As a mother comforts her~son,
\q so I will comfort~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:13 \ft \+xt Ps 86:17; Is 40:1; 49:13; 51:13; 52:9; 2Co 1:3–4\+xt*\f*
\q and you will be~comforted in~Jerusalem.
\b
\q1
\v 14 You will see, you~will~rejoice,
\q and you~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 66:14 \ft Lit \fqa your bones\f* will flourish like~grass;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:14 \ft \+xt Ps 72:16; Pr 11:28; Is 58:11\+xt*\f*
\q then the \nd Lord\nd*’s power will~be~revealed to~his~servants,
\q but he will show his~wrath against~his~enemies.
\q1
\v 15 Look, the \nd Lord\nd* will~come with~fire~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:15 \ft \+xt Is 33:14; Mal 3:1–2; 2Th 1:7–8; 2Pt 3:7\+xt*\f*~—
\q his chariots are like~the~whirlwind~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:15 \ft \+xt Ps 68:17; Is 5:28; Hab 3:8\+xt*\f*~—
\q to execute his~anger with~fury
\q and his rebuke with~flames of~fire.
\q1
\v 16 For the \nd Lord\nd* will~execute~judgment
\q on all~humanity~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:16 \ft \+xt Gn 6:12; Jr 12:12; 25:31; Ezk 20:48; 21:4–5\+xt*\f* with~his~fiery~sword,
\q and many will~be~slain by~the~\nd Lord\nd*.
\b
\p
\v 17 “Those who dedicate and purify themselves to enter the groves~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:17 \ft \+xt Is 65:3–5\+xt*\f* following their leader,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 66:17 \ft Hb obscure\f* eating meat from pigs, vermin,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 66:17 \ft Lit \fqa abhorrent things\f* and rats, will perish together.”
\pr This is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s declaration.
\p
\v 18 “Knowing~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 66:18 \ft LXX, Syr; MT omits \fqa Knowing\f* their works and their thoughts, I have come to gather all nations and languages;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:18 \ft \+xt Is 45:22–25; Jr 3:17\+xt*\f* they will come and see my glory.
\v 19 I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from them to the nations~#—~#to Tarshish, Put,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 66:19 \ft LXX; MT reads \fqa Pul\f* Lud (who are archers), Tubal, Javan,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:19 \ft \+xt Gn 10:2,5; 1Kg 10:22; Jr 46:9; Ezk 27:10,13\+xt*\f* and the coasts and islands far away~#—~#who have not heard about me or seen my glory. And they will proclaim my glory among the nations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:19 \ft \+xt 1Ch 16:24; Ps 96:3\+xt*\f*
\v 20 They will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the \nd Lord\nd* on horses and chariots, in litters, and on mules and camels, to my holy mountain Jerusalem,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:20 \ft \+xt Ps 2:6; Is 56:7; Ezk 20:40; Jl 3:17\+xt*\f* says the \nd Lord\nd*, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the \nd Lord\nd*.
\v 21 I will also take some of them as priests and Levites,”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:21 \ft \+xt Ex 19:6; Is 61:6; 1Pt 2:5,9; Rv 1:6\+xt*\f* says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\q1
\v 22 “For just as the~new~heavens and~the~new~earth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:22 \ft \+xt Is 65:17; Heb 12:26–27; 2Pt 3:13; Rv 21:1\+xt*\f*
\q which I will make,
\q will remain before~me”~—
\qm this is the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~declaration~—
\q “so your~offspring and~your~name will~remain.
\q1
\v 23 All~humanity will~come to~worship~me
\q from one New Moon to~another
\q and from one Sabbath to~another,”
\q says the \nd Lord\nd*.
\b
\p
\v 24 “As they leave, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:24 \ft \+xt Is 1:2; 5:25; 34:3\+xt*\f* for their worm~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:24 \ft \+xt Jb 7:5; Is 14:11\+xt*\f* will never die, their fire will never go out,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:24 \ft \+xt Mk 9:48\+xt*\f* and they will be a horror to all humanity.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 66:24 \ft \+xt Dn 12:2\+xt*\f*
