3 Whoever kills a bull is like someone who kills a person.Whoever sacrifices a lamb is like someone who breaks a dog’s neck.Whoever offers a grain sacrificeis like someone who ⌊offers⌋ pig’s blood.Whoever burns incense is like someone who worships an idol.People have certainly chosen their own ways,and their souls delight in detestable things.
4 So I will choose harsh treatment for themand bring on them what they fear.I called, but no one answered.I spoke, but they didn’t listen.They did what I consider evil.They chose what I don’t like.
5 Listen to the word of the Lord, all who tremble at his word.Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name’s sake, say,“Let the Lord show his glory; then we will see your joy.”But they will be put to shame.
6 Listen to the uproar from the city.Listen to the sound from the temple.It is the sound of the Lordpaying back his enemies as they deserve.
7 Before a woman goes into labor, she gives birth.Before she has labor pains, she delivers a child.
8 Who has heard of such a thing?Who has seen such things?Can a country be born in one day?Can a nation be born in a moment?When Zion went into labor,she also gave birth to her children.
9 “Do I bring a mother to the moment of birthand not let her deliver?” asks the Lord.“Do I cause a mother to deliverand then make her unable to have children?” asks your God.