Isaiah
1 These are the visions that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. He saw these visions during the years when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah. 2 Listen, O heavens! Pay attention, earth! have rebelled against me. 3 Even an ox knows its owner, My people don’t recognize my care for them.” 4 Oh, what a sinful nation they are— and turned their backs on him. 5 Why do you continue to invite punishment? and your heart is sick. 6 You are battered from head to foot— without any soothing ointments or bandages. 7 Your country lies in ruins, and destroy everything they see. 8 Beautiful Jerusalem stands abandoned like a helpless city under siege. 9 If the LORD of Heaven’s Armies destroyed like Gomorrah. 10 Listen to the LORD, you leaders of “Sodom.” Listen to the law of our God, people of “Gomorrah.” 11 “What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? 13 Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; I want no more of your pious meetings. 14 I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! 15 When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. 16 Wash yourselves and be clean! Give up your evil ways. 17 Learn to do good. Fight for the rights of widows. 18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” I will make them as white as wool. 19 If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. 20 But if you turn away and refuse to listen, I, the LORD, have spoken!” 21 See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, she is now filled with murderers. 22 Once like pure silver, you are now like watered-down wine. 23 Your leaders are rebels, or fight for the rights of widows. 24 Therefore, the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and pay back my foes! 25 I will raise my fist against you. I will remove all your impurities. 26 Then I will give you good judges again and the Faithful City.” 27 Zion will be restored by justice; those who repent will be revived by righteousness. 28 But rebels and sinners will be completely destroyed, and those who desert the LORD will be consumed. 29 You will be ashamed of your idol worship in gardens dedicated to idols. 30 You will be like a great tree with withered leaves, like a garden without water. 31 The strongest among you will disappear like straw; and no one will be able to put out the fire.