1. This is a messagefrom the Lord:His eyes are on everyone,especially the tribesof Israel.So he pronounces judgmentagainst the citiesof Hadrach and Damascus.
2. Judgment will also fallon the nearby cityof Hamath,as well as on Tyre and Sidon,whose people are clever.
3. Tyre has built a fortressand piled up silver and gold,as though they were dustor mud from the streets.
4. Now the Lord will punish Tyrewith poverty;he will sink its shipsand send it up in flames.
5. Both Ashkelon and Gazawill tremble with fear;Ekron will lose all hope.Gaza's king will be killed,and Ashkelon emptiedof its people.
6. A mob of half-breedswill settle in Ashdod,and the Lord himselfwill rob Philistia of pride.
7. No longer will the Philistineseat meat with blood in itor any unclean food.They will become partof the people of our Godfrom the tribe of Judah.And God will acceptthe people of Ekron,as he did the Jebusites.
8. God says, “I will stand guardto protect my temple from thosewho come to attack.I know what's happening,and no one will ill-treatmy people ever again.”
9. Everyone in Jerusalem,celebrate and shout!Your king has won a victory,and he is coming to you.He is humbleand rides on a donkey;he comes on the coltof a donkey.