Isaiah 3:1-12

1Look, the sovereign Lord who commands armies is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah every source of security, including all the food and water,

2the mighty men and warriors, judges and prophets, omen readers and leaders,

3captains of groups of fifty, the respected citizens, advisers and those skilled in magical arts, and those who know incantations.

4The Lord says, “I will make youths their officials; malicious young men will rule over them.

5The people will treat each other harshly; men will oppose each other; neighbors will fight. Youths will proudly defy the elderly and riffraff will challenge those who were once respected.

6Indeed, a man will grab his brother right in his father’s house and say, ‘You own a coat – you be our leader! This heap of ruins will be under your control.’

7At that time the brother will shout, ‘I am no doctor, I have no food or coat in my house; don’t make me a leader of the people!’”

8Jerusalem certainly stumbles, Judah falls, for their words and their actions offend the Lord; they rebel against his royal authority.

9The look on their faces testifies to their guilt; like the people of Sodom they openly boast of their sin. Too bad for them! For they bring disaster on themselves.

10Tell the innocent it will go well with them, for they will be rewarded for what they have done.

11Too bad for the wicked sinners! For they will get exactly what they deserve.

12Oppressors treat my people cruelly; creditors rule over them. My people’s leaders mislead them; they give you confusing directions.