Study Desk

Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil^(a) on their beds!^(b) At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.

They covet fields^(c) and seize them,^(d) and houses, and take them. They defraud^(e) people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance.^(f)

Therefore, the Lord says: "I am planning disaster^(g) against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly,^(h) for it will be a time of calamity.

In that day people will ridicule you; they will taunt you with this mournful song: ‘We are utterly ruined;⁽ⁱ⁾ my people's possession is divided up.^(j) He takes it from me! He assigns our fields to traitors.'"

Therefore you will have no one in the assembly of the Lord to divide the land^(k) by lot.^(l)

"Do not prophesy," their prophets say. "Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace^(m) will not overtake us.⁽ⁿ⁾"

You descendants of Jacob, should it be said, "Does the Lord become^[a] impatient? Does he do such things?" "Do not my words do good^(o) to the one whose ways are upright?^(p)

Lately my people have risen up like an enemy. You strip off the rich robe from those who pass by without a care, like men returning from battle.

You drive the women of my people from their pleasant homes.^(q) You take away my blessing from their children forever.

Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place,^(r) because it is defiled,^(s) it is ruined, beyond all remedy.

If a liar and deceiver^(t) comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,'^(u) that would be just the prophet for this people!^(v)

"I will surely gather all of you, Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant^(w) of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people.^(x)

The One who breaks open the way will go up before^(y) them; they will break through the gate^(z) and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head."