1Verse 1. 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,
2Verse 2. the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder,
3Verse 3. the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.
4Verse 4. “I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.”
5Verse 5. 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.
6Verse 6. 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.”
7Verse 7. 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!”
8Verse 8. For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence.
9Verse 9. 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.
10Verse 10. Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.
11Verse 11. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
12Verse 12. Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths.
13Verse 13. The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.
14Verse 14. 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.
15Verse 15. Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
16Verse 16. 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—
17Verse 17. the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.”
18Verse 18. In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents;
19Verse 19. their pendants, bracelets, and veils;
20Verse 20. their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms;
21Verse 21. their signet rings and nose rings;
22Verse 22. their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses;
23Verse 23. and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls.
24Verse 24. 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.
25Verse 25. Your men will fall by the sword, and your warriors in battle.
26Verse 26. And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.