Isaiah 66:3-17

3“He who kills an ox [for pagan sacrifice] is [as guilty] as one who kills a man; He who sacrifices a lamb, as one who breaks a dog’s neck; He who offers a grain offering, as one who offers swine’s blood; He who offers incense, as one who blesses an idol. Such people have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their repulsive acts;

4So I will choose their punishments, And will bring the things they dread upon them Because I called, but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen or obey. But they did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight.”

5Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble [with awe-filled reverence] at His word: “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My Name’s sake, Have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they will be put to shame.

6The sound of an uproar from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, providing retribution to His enemies.

7“Before she (Zion) was in labor, she gave birth; Before her labor pain came, she gave birth to a boy.

8Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Or can a nation be brought forth in a moment? As soon as Zion was in labor, she also brought forth her sons.

9Shall I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. “Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?” says your God.

10“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; Rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her,

11That you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts, That you may drink deeply and be delighted with her bountiful bosom.”

12For the Lord says this, “Behold, I extend peace to her (Jerusalem) like a river, And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; And you will be nursed, you will be carried on her hip and [playfully] rocked on her knees.

13As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; And you will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

14When you see this, your heart will rejoice; Your bones will flourish like new grass. And the [powerful] hand of the Lord will be revealed to His servants, But His indignation will be toward His enemies.

15For indeed, the Lord will come in fire And His chariots will be like the stormy wind, To render His anger with rage, And His rebuke with flames of fire.

16For the Lord will execute judgment by fire And by His sword on all mankind, And those slain by the Lord will be many.

17“Those who [vainly attempt to] sanctify and cleanse themselves to go to the gardens [to sacrifice to idols], Following after one in the center, Who eat swine’s flesh, detestable things and mice, Will come to an end together,” says the Lord.