Study Desk

For a while, I turned away in furious anger. Now I will have mercy and love you forever! I, your protector and Lord , make this promise."

Jerusalem, you are sad and discouraged, tossed around in a storm. But I, the Lord , will rebuild your city with precious stones; for your foundation I will use blue sapphires.

Why waste your money on what really isn't food? Why work hard for something that doesn't satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods.

I will bring them to my holy mountain, where they will celebrate in my house of worship. Their sacrifices and offerings will always be welcome on my altar. Then my house will be known as a house of worship for all nations.

You stupid leaders are a pack of hungry and greedy dogs that never get enough. You are shepherds who mistreat your own sheep for selfish gain.

but in death they find peace for obeying God.

Ask your idols to save you when you are in trouble. Be careful though— it takes only a faint breath to blow them over. But if you come to me for protection, this land and my holy mountain will always belong to you.

The Lord says, "Clear the road! Get it ready for my people."

When you beg the Lord for help, he will answer, "Here I am!" Don't mistreat others or falsely accuse them or say something cruel.

Give your food to the hungry and care for the homeless. Then your light will shine in the dark; your darkest hour will be like the noonday sun.

You will rebuild those houses left in ruins for years; you will be known as a builder and repairer of city walls and streets.

Your talk is filled with lies and plans for violence; every finger on your hands is covered with blood.

No one has come to defend us or to bring about justice. We hoped for a day of sunshine, but all we found was a dark, gloomy night.

We growl like bears and mourn like doves. We hope for justice and victory, but they escape us.

It disgusted him even more to learn that no one would do a thing about it. So with his own powerful arm, he won victories for truth.

On those distant islands your people are waiting for me, the Lord . Seagoing ships lead the way to bring them home with their silver and gold. I, the holy Lord God of Israel, do this to honor your people, so they will honor me.

You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come.

The Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives.

Then they will rebuild cities that have been in ruins for many generations.

Jerusalem, I will speak up for your good. I will never be silent till you are safe and secure, sparkling like a flame.