Isaiah 66:3-17

3The one who slaughters a bull also strikes down a man; the one who sacrifices a lamb also breaks a dog’s neck; the one who presents an offering includes pig’s blood with it; the one who offers incense also praises an idol. They have decided to behave this way; they enjoy these disgusting practices.

4So I will choose severe punishment for them; I will bring on them what they dread, because I called, and no one responded, I spoke and they did not listen. They did evil before me; they chose to do what displeases me.”

5Hear the word of the Lord, you who respect what he has to say! Your countrymen, who hate you and exclude you, supposedly for the sake of my name, say, “May the Lord be glorified, then we will witness your joy.” But they will be put to shame.

6The sound of battle comes from the city; the sound comes from the temple! It is the sound of the Lord paying back his enemies.

7Before she goes into labor, she gives birth! Before her contractions begin, she delivers a boy!

8Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen this? Can a country be brought forth in one day? Can a nation be born in a single moment? Yet as soon as Zion goes into labor she gives birth to sons!

9“Do I bring a baby to the birth opening and then not deliver it?” asks the Lord. “Or do I bring a baby to the point of delivery and then hold it back?” asks your God.

10Be happy for Jerusalem and rejoice with her, all you who love her! Share in her great joy, all you who have mourned over her!

11For you will nurse from her satisfying breasts and be nourished; you will feed with joy from her milk-filled breasts.

12For this is what the Lord says: “Look, I am ready to extend to her prosperity that will flow like a river, the riches of nations will flow into her like a stream that floods its banks. You will nurse from her breast and be carried at her side; you will play on her knees.

13As a mother consoles a child, so I will console you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”

14When you see this, you will be happy, and you will be revived. The Lord will reveal his power to his servants and his anger to his enemies.

15For look, the Lord comes with fire, his chariots come like a windstorm, to reveal his raging anger, his battle cry, and his flaming arrows.

16For the Lord judges all humanity with fire and his sword; the Lord will kill many.

17“As for those who consecrate and ritually purify themselves so they can follow their leader and worship in the sacred orchards, those who eat the flesh of pigs and other disgusting creatures, like mice – they will all be destroyed together,” says the Lord.