8. Jerusalem alone is left, a city under siege — as defenceless as a guard's hut in a vineyard or a shed in a cucumber field.
9. If the Lord Almighty had not let some of the people survive, Jerusalem would have been totally destroyed, just as Sodom and Gomorrah were.
10. Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the Lord is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you.
11. He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats.
12. Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this tramping about in my Temple?
13. It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins.
14. I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing.
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.
25. I will take action against you. I will purify you just as metal is refined, and will remove all your impurity.