All this is because of Jacob’s transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel. What is Jacob’s transgression? Is it not Samaria? What is Judah’s high place? Is it not Jerusalem?

Tell it not in Gath; weep not at all. In Beth Ophrah roll in the dust.

Pass by naked and in shame, you who live in Shaphir. Those who live in Zaanan will not come out. Beth Ezel is in mourning; it no longer protects you.

False Prophets

“Do not prophesy,” their prophets say. “Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”

You descendants of Jacob, should it be said, “Does the Lord become impatient? Does he do such things?” “Do not my words do good to the one whose ways are upright?

Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy.

Leaders and Prophets Rebuked

Then I said, “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice,

Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.

Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.”

He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.

The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for anyone or depend on man.

I will take vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations that have not obeyed me.”

Israel’s Guilt and Punishment

Listen! The Lord is calling to the city— and to fear your name is wisdom— “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.

You will eat but not be satisfied; your stomach will still be empty. You will store up but save nothing, because what you save I will give to the sword.

You will plant but not harvest; you will press olives but not use the oil, you will crush grapes but not drink the wine.

The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets.

Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.

Israel Will Rise

Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground. They will come trembling out of their dens; they will turn in fear to the Lord our God and will be afraid of you.

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.