6. From the soles of your feet to your head,there is no spot that is unharmed.There are only bruises, cuts,and open wounds.They have not been cleansed or bandaged,nor have they been treated with olive oil.
7. Your land is devastated,your cities burned with fire.Right before your eyes your cropsare being destroyed by foreign invaders.They leave behind devastation and destruction.
8. Daughter Zion is left isolated,like a hut in a vineyard,or a shelter in a cucumber field;she is a besieged city.
9. If the Lord who commands armies had not left us a few survivors,we would have quickly become like Sodom,we would have become like Gomorrah.
10. Listen to the Lord’s word,you leaders of Sodom!Pay attention to our God’s rebuke,people of Gomorrah!
11. “Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices?”says the Lord.“I am stuffed with burnt sacrificesof rams and the fat from steers.The blood of bulls, lambs, and goatsI do not want.
12. When you enter my presence,do you actually think I want this – animals trampling on my courtyards?
13. Do not bring any more meaningless offerings;I consider your incense detestable!You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations,but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations!
14. I hate your new moon festivals and assemblies;they are a burdenthat I am tired of carrying.
15. When you spread out your hands in prayer,I look the other way;when you offer your many prayers,I do not listen,because your hands are covered with blood.
16. Wash! Cleanse yourselves!Remove your sinful deedsfrom my sight.Stop sinning!
17. Learn to do what is right!Promote justice!Give the oppressed reason to celebrate!Take up the cause of the orphan!Defend the rights of the widow!