1. This is the vision Isaiah son of Amoz saw. God showed Isaiah what would happen to Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah saw these things while Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah were kings of Judah.
2. Heaven and earth, listen,because the Lord is speaking:“I raised my children and helped them grow.But they have turned against me.
3. An ox knows its master.And a donkey knows where its owner feeds it.But the people of Israel do not know me.My people do not understand.”
4. Terrible times are coming for Israel, a nation of sin.The people are loaded down with guilt.They are like a group of children doing evil.They are full of evil.They have left the Lord.They hate God, the Holy One of Israel.They have turned away from him.
5. Why should you continue to be punished?Why do you continue to turn against him?Your whole head is hurt.And your whole heart is sick.
6. There is no healthy spotfrom the bottom of your foot to the top of your head.You are covered with wounds, hurts and open sores.Your wounds are not cleaned and covered.No medicine takes away the pain.
7. Your land is ruined.Your cities have been burned with fire.While you watch,your enemies are stealing everything from your land.Your land is ruined like a country destroyed by enemies.
8. Jerusalem is left alonelike an empty shelter in a vineyard.It is like a hut left in a field of melons.It is like a city surrounded by enemies.
9. The Lord of heaven’s armiesallowed a few of our people to live.Otherwise we would have been completely destroyedlike the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
10. Jerusalem, your rulers are like those of Sodom.Your people are like those of Gomorrah.Hear the word of the Lord.Listen to the teachings of our God!
11. The Lord says,“I do not want all these sacrifices you give me.I have had enough of your sacrificesof male sheep and fat from fine animals.I am not pleasedby the blood of bulls, sheep and goats.
12. You come to meet with me.But who asked you to doall this running in and out?
13. Don’t continue bringing me worthless sacrifices!I hate the incense you burn.I can’t stand your New Moons, Sabbaths and other feast days.I can’t stand the evil you do in holding your holy meetings.
14. I hate your New Moon feastsand your other yearly feasts.They have become like heavy weights on me.I am tired of carrying them.
15. You will raise your arms in prayer to me.But I will refuse to look at you.Even if you say many prayers,I will not listen to you.It’s because your hands are full of blood.
16. Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean.Stop doing the evil things I see you do.Stop doing wrong!