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.