Isaiah 66:3-17

3Whoever kills a bull is like someone who kills a person. Whoever sacrifices a lamb is like someone who breaks a dog’s neck. Whoever offers a grain sacrifice is like someone who ⌞offers⌟ pig’s blood. Whoever burns incense is like someone who worships an idol. People have certainly chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in detestable things.

4So I will choose harsh treatment for them and bring on them what they fear. I called, but no one answered. I spoke, but they didn’t listen. They did what I consider evil. They chose what I don’t like.

5Listen to the Lord’s word, all who tremble at his word. Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name’s sake, say, “Let the Lord show his glory; then we will see your joy.” But they will be put to shame.

6Listen to the uproar from the city. Listen to the sound from the temple. It is the sound of the Lord paying back his enemies as they deserve.

7Before a woman goes into labor, she gives birth. Before she has labor pains, she delivers a child.

8Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in one day? Can a nation be born in a moment? When Zion went into labor, she also gave birth to her children.

9“Do I bring a mother to the moment of birth and not let her deliver?” asks the Lord. “Do I cause a mother to deliver and then make her unable to have children?” asks your God.

10All who love Jerusalem, be happy and rejoice with her. All who mourn for her, be glad with her.

11You will nurse and be satisfied from her comforting breasts. You will nurse to your heart’s delight at her full breasts.

12This is what the Lord says: I will offer you peace like a river and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream. You will nurse and be carried in Jerusalem’s arms and cuddled on her knees.

13As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.

14When you see it, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like new grass. The power of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but he will condemn his enemies.

15The Lord will come with fire and with his chariots like a thunderstorm. He will pay them back with his burning anger and punish them with flames of fire.

16The Lord will judge with fire, and he will judge all people with his sword. Many people will be struck dead by the Lord.

17People make themselves holy and prepare themselves for their garden rituals. They go into the garden and devour pork, disgusting things, and mice. “They will come to an end at the same time,” declares the Lord.