1
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For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, |
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2
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the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, |
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3
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the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter. |
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4
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“I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” |
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5
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The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable. |
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6
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A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble.” |
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7
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On that day he will cry aloud: “I am not a healer. I have no food or clothing in my house. Do not make me leader of the people!” |
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8
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For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. |
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9
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The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves. |
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10
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Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. |
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11
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Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
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12
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Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. |
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13
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The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. |
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14
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The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. |
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15
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Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
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16
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The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— |
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17
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the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” |
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18
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In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; |
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19
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their pendants, bracelets, and veils; |
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20
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their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; |
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21
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their signet rings and nose rings; |
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22
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their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; |
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23
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and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. |
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24
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Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame. |
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25
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Your men will fall by the sword, and your warriors in battle. |
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26
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And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. |
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