1What sorrow awaits the city (Jerusalem) of filthy, rebellious oppressors! 2She obeys no one; she accepts no correction; she does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God. 3The officials within her are roaring lions; her judges (rulers) are evening wolves; by dawn, there is no trace of their prey. 4Her prophets are fickle and treacherous persons; her priests profane the Temple, and do violence to the law. 5The just LORD is still there in her midst (and sees all this injustice); morning by morning He dispenses His justice, He never fails; but the wicked know no shame. 6“I have destroyed the nations, their towers are demolished; I have left their streets deserted, that no one passes by; their cities are laid waste, so that no man inhabits them. 7Of Jerusalem I said, ‘Surely they will honor Me and accept instruction; so that their dwellings and refuges would not be destroyed, nor incur My punishment’; but they rose early, eager to act wickedly.

8“Therefore, be patient”, says the LORD, “Wait until the day that I rise up to seize the prey; for I have determined to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them My indignation - all My fierce anger; for all the earth shall be consumed with the fire of My jealousy. 9For then will I sanctify the people, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD with clean lips, to serve Him with one accord. 10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (Cush) My faithful, My dispersed people, shall bring Me offerings. 11In that day shall you (Jerusalem) not be ashamed for all your wrong deeds by which you have transgressed against Me; for then I will remove from you those who rejoice in prideful boasting, and you shall no more be arrogant on My holy mountain. 12I will also leave within you the meek and humble people, who shall trust in the name of the LORD. 13This remnant of Israel shall do no wrong, nor speak lies, for not a deceitful tongue shall be found in their mouth. They shall eat and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.”

14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15The LORD has taken away your punishment, He has turned back your enemy; the LORD, the King of Israel, is with you, you shall never again fear any harm. 16On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, “Fear not”; and to Zion, “Let your hands not be slack. 17The LORD, your God, Who is with you, is mighty; He will save, He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you; but will rejoice over you with singing.” 18“I will gather them, says the LORD, “Who are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of you, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. 19At that time I will deal with all that oppressed you; and I will save those that are weak and helpless, and gather those that were driven into exile; and I will ensure that they receive praise and due recognition in every land where they have been put to shame. 20At that time I will bring you back home again; I will give you honor and a praise among all people of the earth, when I restore you from places of your captivity, before your very eyes.”