as are those of Hamath also, which adjoins Damascus, and Tyre<n id="1" /> and Sidon,<n id="2" /> though they consider themselves to be very wise.

<p class="bodytext">Moreover, as for you, because of our covenant relationship secured with blood, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit.

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners, with hope; today I declare that I will return double what was taken from you.

&#8220;The <sc>Lordsc> who rules over all says, &#8216;If you live<n id="1" /> and work according to my requirements, you will be able to preside over my temple<n id="2" /> and attend to my courtyards, and I will allow you to come and go among these others who are standing by you.

And,&#8217; says the <sc>Lordsc> who rules over all, &#8216;though such a thing may seem to be difficult in the opinion of the small community of those days, will it also appear difficult to me?&#8217; asks the <sc>Lordsc> who rules over all.p>

I will take away their abominable religious practices;<n id="1" /> then those who survive will become a community of believers in our God,<n id="2" /> like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

Next I eradicated the three shepherds in one month,<n id="1" /> for I ran out of patience with them and, indeed, they detested me as well.

&#8220;I am about to make Jerusalem<n id="1" /> a cup that brings dizziness<n id="2" /> to all the surrounding nations; indeed, Judah will also be included when Jerusalem is besieged.

Moreover, Judah will fight at<n id="1" /> Jerusalem, and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered up<n id="2" /> &#8211; gold, silver, and clothing in great abundance.

The inhabitants of one will go to another and say, &#8220;Let&#8217;s go up at once to ask the favor of the <sc>Lordsc>, to seek the <sc>Lordsc> who rules over all. Indeed, I&#8217;ll go with you.&#8221;&#8217;

And also on that day,&#8221; says the <sc>Lordsc> who rules over all, &#8220;I will remove<n id="1" /> the names of the idols from the land and they will never again be remembered. Moreover, I will remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land.