Study Desk

See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support:^(a) all supplies of food^(b) and all supplies of water,^(c)

the hero and the warrior,^(d) the judge and the prophet, the diviner^(e) and the elder,^(f)

the captain of fifty^(g) and the man of rank,^(h) the counselor, skilled craftsman⁽ⁱ⁾ and clever enchanter.^(j)

"I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them."^(k)

People will oppress each other— man against man, neighbor against neighbor.^(l) The young will rise up against the old, the nobody against the honored.

A man will seize one of his brothers in his father's house, and say, "You have a cloak, you be our leader; take charge of this heap of ruins!"

But in that day^(m) he will cry out, "I have no remedy.⁽ⁿ⁾ I have no food^(o) or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people."^(p)

Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling;^(q) their words^(r) and deeds^(s) are against the Lord , defying^(t) his glorious presence.

The look on their faces testifies^(u) against them; they parade their sin like Sodom;^(v) they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster^(w) upon themselves.

Tell the righteous it will be well^(x) with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.^(y)

Woe to the wicked!^(z) Disaster^(aa) is upon them! They will be paid back^(ab) for what their hands have done.^(ac)

Youths^(ad) oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray;^(ae) they turn you from the path.

The Lord takes his place in court;^(af) he rises to judge^(ag) the people.

The Lord enters into judgment^(ah) against the elders and leaders of his people: "It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder^(ai) from the poor^(aj) is in your houses.

What do you mean by crushing my people^(ak) and grinding^(al) the faces of the poor?"^(am) declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.^(an)

The Lord says, "The women of Zion^(ao) are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks,^(ap) flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.

Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.^(aq)"

In that day^(ar) the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,^(as)

the earrings and bracelets^(at) and veils,^(au)

the headdresses^(av) and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,

the signet rings and nose rings,^(aw)

the fine robes and the capes and cloaks,^(ax) the purses

and mirrors, and the linen garments^(ay) and tiaras^(az) and shawls.

Instead of fragrance^(ba) there will be a stench;^(bb) instead of a sash,^(bc) a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;^(bd) instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;^(be) instead of beauty,^(bf) branding.^(bg)

Your men will fall by the sword,^(bh) your warriors in battle.^(bi)

The gates^(bj) of Zion will lament and mourn;^(bk) destitute,^(bl) she will sit on the ground.^(bm)