1. If you return, Israel—oracle of the Lord—return to me.If you put your detestable things out of my sight,and do not stray,
2. And swear, “As the Lord lives,”in truth, in judgment, and in justice,Then the nations shall bless themselves in himand in him glory.
3. For to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, thus says the Lord:Till your untilled ground,and do not sow among thorns.
4. Be circumcised for the Lord,remove the foreskins of your hearts,people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem;Or else my anger will break out like fire,and burn so that no one can quench it,because of your evil deeds.
5. Proclaim it in Judah,in Jerusalem announce it;Blow the trumpet throughout the land,call out, “Fill the ranks!”Say, “Assemble, let us marchto the fortified cities.”
6. Raise the signal—to Zion!Seek refuge! Don’t stand there!Disaster I bring from the north,and great destruction.
7. Up comes the lion from its lair,the destroyer of nations has set out,has left its place,To turn your land into a desolation,your cities into an uninhabited waste.
8. So put on sackcloth,mourn and wail:“The blazing anger of the Lordhas not turned away from us.”
9. In that day—oracle of the Lord—The king will lose heart, and the princes;the priests will be horrified,and the prophets stunned.
10. “Ah! Lord God,” they will say,“You really did deceive usWhen you said: You shall have peace,while the sword was at our very throats.”
11. At that time it will be saidto this people and to Jerusalem,A scorching wind from the bare heights comesthrough the wilderness toward my daughter, the people.Not to winnow, not to cleanse,
12. a strong wind from there comes at my bidding.Now I too pronouncesentence upon them.
13. See! like storm clouds he advances,like a whirlwind, his chariots;Swifter than eagles, his horses:“Woe to us! we are ruined.”
14. Cleanse your heart of evil, Jerusalem,that you may be saved.How long will you entertainwicked schemes?
15. A voice proclaims it from Dan,announces wickedness from Mount Ephraim: