For you say, “We have made a treaty with death, with Sheol we have made an agreement. When the overwhelming judgment sweeps by it will not reach us. For we have made a lie our refuge, we have hidden ourselves in a deceitful word.”

“Speak kindly to Jerusalem, and tell her that her time of warfare is over, that her punishment is completed. For the Lord has made her pay double for all her sins.”

Don’t be afraid, for you will not be put to shame! Don’t be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated! You will forget about the shame you experienced in your youth; you will no longer remember the disgrace of your abandonment.

When you enter my presence, do you actually think I want this – animals trampling on my courtyards?

But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.

Indeed, they will be ashamed of the sacred trees you find so desirable; you will be embarrassed because of the sacred orchards where you choose to worship.

For you will be like a tree whose leaves wither, like an orchard that is unwatered.

Indeed, the Lord who commands armies has planned a day of judgment, for all the high and mighty, for all who are proud – they will be humiliated;

Stop trusting in human beings, whose life’s breath is in their nostrils. For why should they be given special consideration?

Indeed, a large vineyard will produce just a few gallons, and enough seed to yield several bushels will produce less than a bushel.”

Syria has plotted with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah to bring about your demise.

With bow and arrow men will hunt there, for the whole land will be covered with thorns and briers.

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted! Issue your orders, but they will not be executed! For God is with us!

The sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, is certainly ready to carry out the decreed destruction throughout the land.

For very soon my fury will subside, and my anger will be directed toward their destruction.”

At that time you will say: “I praise you, O Lord, for even though you were angry with me, your anger subsided, and you consoled me.

Sing to the Lord, for he has done magnificent things, let this be known throughout the earth!

Cry out and shout for joy, O citizens of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel acts mightily among you!”

Indeed, the Lord who commands armies has a plan, and who can possibly frustrate it? His hand is ready to strike, and who can possibly stop it?

How will they respond to the messengers of this nation? Indeed, the Lord has made Zion secure; the oppressed among his people will find safety in her.