For you say, “We have made a treaty with death, with Sheol ¹  we have made an agreement. ²  When the overwhelming judgment sweeps by ³  it will not reach us. For we have made a lie our refuge, we have hidden ourselves in a deceitful word.” ⁴ 

“Speak kindly to ¹  Jerusalem, ²  and tell her that her time of warfare is over, ³  that her punishment is completed. ⁴  For the Lord has made her pay double ⁵  for all her sins.”

Don’t be afraid, for you will not be put to shame! Don’t be intimidated, ¹  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. ² 

When you enter my presence, do you actually think I want this – animals trampling on my courtyards? ¹ 

But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured ¹  by the sword.” Know for certain that the Lord has spoken. ² 

Indeed, they ¹  will be ashamed of the sacred trees you ²  find so desirable; you will be embarrassed because of the sacred orchards ³  where you choose to worship.

For you will be like a tree whose leaves wither, like an orchard ¹  that is unwatered.

Indeed, the Lord who commands armies has planned a day of judgment, ¹  for ²  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 ¹  will produce just a few gallons, ²  and enough seed to yield several bushels ³  will produce less than a bushel.” ⁴ 

Syria has plotted with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah to bring about your demise. ¹ 

With bow and arrow ¹  men will hunt ²  there, for the whole land will be covered ³  with thorns and briers.

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted! Issue your orders, but they will not be executed! ¹  For God is with us! ² 

The sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, is certainly ready to carry out the decreed destruction throughout the land. ¹ 

For very soon my fury ¹  will subside, and my anger will be directed toward their destruction.”

At that time ¹  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 ¹  throughout the earth!

Cry out and shout for joy, O citizens of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel ¹  acts mightily ²  among you!”

Indeed, ¹  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? ² 

How will they respond to the messengers of this nation? ¹  Indeed, the Lord has made Zion secure; the oppressed among his people will find safety in her.