Jerusalem's Guilt, Purification, and Promised Restoration
3
Chapter 3
1Woe to the rebellious one, the redeemed city, the dove!2She did not obey the voice; she did not accept discipline in the LORD; she did not trust in her God; she did not draw near.3Her officials in her midst are roaring lions, her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing for the morning.4Her prophets are reckless ones, men of betrayals. Her priests profaned holy things; they committed violence against Torah.5The LORD is righteous in her midst; he does not do wrong morning by morning. He gives his justice to the light; he does not fail. One knowing wrong is not in shame.6I cut off nations; their corners were desolate. I devastated their streets from lack of a passerby. Their cities were hunted from lack of a man, from none dwelling.7I said, "Surely you will fear me, you will accept discipline, so her dwelling will not be cut off—all that I appointed for her." Yet they rose early and corrupted all their doings.8Therefore wait for me, declares the LORD, for the day of my rising up for me; for my judgment is to gather nations, to gather kingdoms, to pour out on them my anger, all the heat of my nostrils; for by the fire of my jealousy she will consume all the earth.9For then I will restore to the peoples a pure lip, to call all of them in the name of the LORD, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.10From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my scattered ones, will bring my offering.11On that day you will not be ashamed because of all your doings in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will remove from your midst the exultant ones of your pride, and you will not add to the height any more on my holy mountain.12I will leave in your midst a poor and humble people, and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD.13The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity, nor will they speak a lie, nor will a tongue of deceit be found in their mouth. For they will graze and lie down, and there is no one causing terror.14Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!15The LORD has removed your judgments; he has turned away your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you will not fear moral evil anymore.16On that day it will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, Zion; let not your hands grow slack."17The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you in joy; he will be silent in his love; he will exult over you in shouting.18I will gather those sorrowing for the appointed feasts from you; they were a burden on her, a reproach.19Behold, at that time I will deal with all your afflicted ones, and I will save the limping one, and the driven out one I will gather, and I will make them praised and renowned in all the earth, their shame notwithstanding.20At that time I will bring you and at the time I gather you. For I will give you for a name and for praise among all the peoples of the earth when I return your restoration before your eyes, says the LORD.