3 He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offers an oblation as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burns incense as if he blessed iniquity. They have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.
4 I also will choose their delusions and will bring their fears upon them because I called, and no one answered; I spoke, and they did not hear: but they did evil before my eyes and chose that which displeased me.
5 Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hate you, that deny you for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice of the temple, a voice of the Lord that renders recompense to his enemies.
7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth bring forth in one day? Shall an entire nation be born at once? that Zion travailed, and shall bring forth her sons together?
9 I, who make births to happen, shall I not be with child? saith the Lord; I, who causes conception, shall I be stopped? saith thy God.