Study Desk

The Lord All-Powerful is sending you with this message for Shebna, the prime minister:

Can this be the happy city that has stood for centuries? Its people have spread to distant lands;

The city of Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, which is the lifetime of a king. Then Tyre will be like that evil woman in the song:

but none of what is earned will be kept in the city. That money will belong to the Lord , and it will be used to buy more than enough food and good clothes for those who worship the Lord .

From all over the world songs of praise are heard for the God of justice. But I feel awful, terribly miserable. Can anyone be trusted? So many are treacherous!

Terror, traps, and pits are waiting for everyone.

You, Lord , are my God! I will praise you for doing the wonderful things you had planned and promised since ancient times.

You have been a place of safety for the poor and needy in times of trouble. Brutal enemies pounded us like a heavy rain or the heat of the sun at noon, but you were our shelter.

On this mountain the Lord All-Powerful will prepare for all nations a feast of the finest foods. Choice wines and the best meats will be served.

Open the city gates for a law-abiding nation that is faithful to God.

Our Lord , you always do right, and you make the path smooth for those who obey you.

Throughout the night, my heart searches for you, because your decisions show everyone on this earth how to live right.

Your hand is raised and ready to punish them, but they don't see it. Put them to shame! Show how much you care for us and throw them into the fire intended for your enemies.

Go inside and lock the doors, my people. Hide there for a little while, until the Lord is no longer angry.

The Lord will come out to punish everyone on earth for their sins. And when he does, those who did violent crimes will be known and punished.

Yet if the vineyard depends on me for protection, it will become my friend and be at peace with me.

The city of Samaria above a fertile valley is in for trouble! Its leaders are drunkards, who stuff themselves with food and wine. But they will be like flowers that dry up and wilt.

When this time comes, the Lord All-Powerful will be a glorious crown for his people who survive.

And so the Lord says, "I'm laying a firm foundation for the city of Zion. It's a valuable cornerstone proven to be trustworthy; no one who trusts it will ever be disappointed.

The Lord said: Jerusalem, city of David, the place of my altar, you are in for trouble! Celebrate your festivals year after year.