Study Desk

You people are stubborn and far from being safe, so listen to me.

I was angry with my people. So I let you take their land and bring disgrace on them. You showed them no mercy, but were especially cruel to those who were old.

And I told you these things, so that when they happened you would not say, "The idols we worship did this."

Even before I was born, the Lord God chose me to serve him and to lead back the people of Israel. So the Lord has honored me and made me strong.

But the Lord God keeps me from being disgraced. So I refuse to give up, because I know God will never let me down.

The Lord says: You are my people and nation! So pay attention to me. My teaching will cause justice to shine like a light for every nation.

You are in trouble and drunk, but not from wine. So pay close attention

By suffering, the servant will learn the true meaning of obeying the Lord . Although he is innocent, he will take the punishment for the sins of others, so that many of them will no longer be guilty.

Though you tired yourself out by running after idols, you refused to stop. Your desires were so strong that they kept you going.

Did you forget about me and become unfaithful because you were more afraid of someone else? Have I been silent so long that you no longer fear me?

You think you're so good, but I'll point out the truth.

We have rebelled and refused to follow you. Our hearts were deceitful, and so we lied; we planned to abuse others and turn our backs on you.

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.

It troubled the Lord to see them in trouble, and his angel saved them. The Lord was truly merciful, so he rescued his people. He took them in his arms and carried them all those years.

Then the Lord 's people turned against him and made his Holy Spirit sad. So he became their enemy and attacked them.

Don't be so furious or keep our sins in your thoughts forever! Remember that all of us are your people.

Here is what the Lord says: A cluster of grapes that produces wine is worth keeping! So, because of my servants, I won't destroy everyone.

You sacrifice oxen to me, and you commit murder; you sacrifice lambs to me and dogs to other gods; you offer grain to me and pigs' blood to idols; you burn incense to me and praise your idols. You have made your own choice to do these disgusting things that you enjoy so much.

I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don't be afraid."