1. This is what the Lord says:“The skies are my throne.The earth is my footstool.So do you think you can build a house for me?There is no place where I need to rest.
2. My hand made all things.All things are here because I made them,”says the Lord.“These are the people I am pleased with.They are those who are not proud or stubborn.They fear me and obey me.
3. But those people who kill bulls as a sacrifice to meare like those who kill men.Those who kill sheep as a sacrifice to meare like those who break the necks of dogs.Those who give me grain offeringsare like those who offer me the blood of pigs.Those who burn incenseare like those who worship idols.These people choose their own ways—not mine.They love the terrible things they do.
4. So I will punish them.I will punish them using what they fear most.I called to them, but they did not listen.I spoke to them, but they did not hear me.They did things I said were evil.They chose to do things I did not like.”
5. You people who obey the words of the Lord,listen to what he says:“Your brothers hated you.They turned against you because you followed me.Your brothers said, ‘When the Lord is honored,we will come back and rejoice with you.’But they will be punished.
6. Listen to the loud noise coming from the city.Hear the noise from the Temple.It is the Lord punishing his enemies.He is giving them the punishment they should have.
7. “A woman does not give birth before she feels the pain.She does not give birth to a son before she feels the pain of birth.
8. No one has ever heard of that happening.No one has ever seen that happen.In the same way no one ever saw a country begin in one day.No one has ever heard of a new nation beginning in one day.But Jerusalem will give birth to her childrenjust as soon as she feels the birth pains.
9. In the same way I will not cause painwithout allowing something new to be born,” says the Lord.“If I cause you the pain,I will not stop you from giving birth to your new nation,” says your God.
10. “Jerusalem, rejoice.All you people who love Jerusalem, be happy.Those of you who felt sad for Jerusalemshould now feel happy with her.
11. You will enjoy her good things and be satisfiedas a child is nursed by its mother.You will receive her good thingsand enjoy her wealth.”
12. This is what the Lord says:“I will give her peace that will flow to her like a river.The wealth of the nations will come flowing to her.Like babies you will be nursed and held in my arms.You will be bounced on my knees.
13. I will comfort youas a mother comforts her child.You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”
14. When you see these things, you will be happy.You will grow like the grass.The Lord’s servants will see his power.But the Lord’s enemies will see his anger.