15. “When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood.
16. Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil
17. and learn to do right. See that justice is done — help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.”
18. The Lord says, “Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.
19. If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces.
20. But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the Lord, have spoken.”
21. The city that once was faithful is behaving like a whore! At one time it was filled with righteous people, but now only murderers remain.
22. Jerusalem, you were once like silver, but now you are worthless; you were like good wine, but now you are only water.
23. Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case.
24. So now, listen to what the Lord Almighty, Israel's powerful God, is saying: “I will take revenge on you, my enemies, and you will cause me no more trouble.