1What sorrow awaits the rebellious, defiled, and oppressive city!
2She refused to listen to advice. She would not accept correction. She did not trust in Yahweh. She did not turn to her God.
3Her leaders are like roaring lions. Her judges are like evening wolves that leave nothing until morning.
4Her prophets are reckless and deceptive people. Her priests have made the holy place impure and twisted the law.
5Yahweh is righteous among them; he does no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light without fail, yet the unrighteous feel no shame.
6I have cut off nations; their strongholds are in ruins. I have made their streets deserted, so no one walks through them. Their cities are destroyed, with no one left, no inhabitants.
7I said, "You just need to fear me and accept correction, then your home won't be destroyed according to all I planned for it." But they eagerly corrupted all their actions.
8Therefore, wait for me, says Yahweh, until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is to gather the nations, to assemble the kingdoms, to pour out my indignation on them, all my fierce anger, for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.
9For then I will purify the speech of the people, so that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve him together.
10From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring their offerings to me.
11On that day, you will no longer feel shame for all the wrong things you have done against me. For then I will remove from among you those who proudly boast, and you will no longer be arrogant on my holy mountain.
12But I will leave among you humble and poor people, and they will trust in Yahweh's name.
13The rest of Israel will not do evil or tell lies, and no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouths. For they will eat and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.”
14Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout for joy, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem.
15Yahweh has taken away your punishments. He has driven out your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you. You will no longer be afraid of evil.
16On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: “Don’t be afraid, Zion. Don’t let your hands grow weak.”
17Yahweh, your God, is among you. He is a mighty warrior who will save. He will delight in you with joy. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.
18I will remove those among you who grieve over the appointed feasts; they have been a burden and a disgrace to you.
19Look, at that time I will deal with all those who oppress you. I will save those who are hurt, and gather those who were scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were once shamed.
20At that time I will bring you in, and at that time I will gather you. For I will give you honor and praise among all the nations of the earth when I restore your prosperity before your eyes,” says Yahweh.