20-23. God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, confront Sidon. Preach against it. Say, ‘Message from God, the Master:“‘Look! I’m against you, Sidon.I intend to be known for who I truly am among you.’They’ll know that I am Godwhen I set things rightand reveal my holy presence.I’ll order an epidemic of disease there,along with murder and mayhem in the streets.People will drop dead right and left,as war presses in from every side.Then they’ll realize that I mean business,that I am God.
24. “No longer will Israel have to put up withtheir thistle-and-thorn neighborsWho have treated them so contemptuously.And they also will realize that I am God.”
25-26. God, the Master, says, “When I gather Israel from the peoples among whom they’ve been scattered and put my holiness on display among them with all the nations looking on, then they’ll live in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob. They’ll live there in safety. They’ll build houses. They’ll plant vineyards, living in safety. Meanwhile, I’ll bring judgment on all the neighbors who have treated them with such contempt. And they’ll realize that I am God.”