Those who stray morally will gain understanding; those who complain will acquire insight.

Turn aside from the way, stray off the path. Remove from our presence the Holy One of Israel.”

You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.”

I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.

Remind me of what happened! Let’s debate! You, prove to me that you are right!

Lord, do not be too angry! Do not hold our sins against us continually! Take a good look at your people, at all of us!

He said, “Go and tell these people: ‘Listen continually, but don’t understand! Look continually, but don’t perceive!’

“Take the harp, go through the city, forgotten prostitute! Play it well, play lots of songs, so you’ll be noticed!”

I will do this so people will observe and recognize, so they will pay attention and understand that the Lord’s power has accomplished this, and that the Holy One of Israel has brought it into being.”

Remember these things, O Jacob, O Israel, for you are my servant. I formed you to be my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you!

I remove the guilt of your rebellious deeds as if they were a cloud, the guilt of your sins as if they were a cloud. Come back to me, for I protect you.”

You said, ‘I will rule forever as permanent queen!’ You did not think about these things; you did not consider how it would turn out.

Listen to me, you coastlands! Pay attention, you people who live far away! The Lord summoned me from birth; he commissioned me when my mother brought me into the world.

The land of Judah will humiliate Egypt. Everyone who hears about Judah will be afraid because of what the Lord who commands armies is planning to do to them.

At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the typical life span of a king. At the end of seventy years Tyre will try to attract attention again, like the prostitute in the popular song:

The sovereign master says, “These people say they are loyal to me; they say wonderful things about me, but they are not really loyal to me. Their worship consists of nothing but man-made ritual.

Yet he too is wise and he will bring disaster; he does not retract his decree. He will attack the wicked nation, and the nation that helps those who commit sin.

“Please, Lord. Remember how I have served you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion, and how I have carried out your will.” Then Hezekiah wept bitterly.

You were complacent in your evil deeds; you thought, ‘No one sees me.’ Your self-professed wisdom and knowledge lead you astray, when you say, ‘I am unique! No one can compare to me!’

You are tired out from listening to so much advice. Let them take their stand – the ones who see omens in the sky, who gaze at the stars, who make monthly predictions – let them rescue you from the disaster that is about to overtake you!