1Look, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, is taking away from Jerusalem and Judah all their supplies and support, all their bread and all their water.
2He is taking away their mighty men, their soldiers, judges, prophets, fortune-tellers, and elders.
3He is taking away the captains of fifty, honorable men, counselors, skilled craftsmen, and clever enchanters.
4I will make boys their princes, and children will rule over them.
5People will oppress each other, everyone against another, and everyone against their neighbor. Children will act proudly against the elderly, and dishonorable people against the honorable.
6Indeed, a man will grab his brother in his father's house and say, “You have clothes, so you be our leader, and take charge of this ruined place.”
7But on that day, he will object, saying, “I will not be a healer, because I have no food or clothes in my house. You will not make me a leader of the people.”
8Because Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah has fallen; their words and actions go against Yahweh, offending his glorious presence.
9Their facial expressions show their guilt. They openly display their sin like the people of Sodom; they don't hide it. How terrible for them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.
10Tell the righteous, "Good will come to you! You will enjoy the results of your actions."
11How terrible for the wicked! Disaster is coming for them, because what they have done will be done to them.
12As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you lead you astray and destroy the path you should take.
13Yahweh stands up to argue his case and to judge the people.
14Yahweh will sit in judgment over the elders and leaders of his people: "You are the ones who have destroyed the vineyard. Your houses are full of things stolen from the poor."
15"What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.
16Furthermore, Yahweh said, "Because the women of Zion are proud, walking with their heads held high, flirting with their eyes, walking in a way that makes them trip, and making jingling sounds with the ornaments on their feet;"
17therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald."
18On that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent-shaped necklaces,
19earrings, bracelets, and veils,
20headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume bottles, and charms,
21signet rings and nose rings,
22fine robes, capes, cloaks, and purses,
23hand mirrors, fine linen garments, tiaras, and shawls.
24It will happen that instead of perfume, there will be a rotten smell; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-styled hair, baldness; instead of a fine robe, a rough cloth; and a brand mark instead of beauty.
25Your men will die by the sword, and your mighty warriors in battle.
26Her gates will mourn and grieve; she will be abandoned and sit on the ground.