3 “He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck;He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood;He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.Just as they have chosen their own ways,And their soul delights in their abominations,
4 So will I choose their delusions,And bring their fears on them;Because, when I called, no one answered,When I spoke they did not hear;But they did evil before My eyes,And chose that in which I do not delight.”
5 Hear the word of the Lord,You who tremble at His word:“Your brethren who hated you,Who cast you out for My name’s sake, said,‘Let the Lord be glorified,That we may see your joy.’But they shall be ashamed.”
6 The sound of noise from the city!A voice from the temple!The voice of the Lord,Who fully repays His enemies!
7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth;Before her pain came,She delivered a male child.
8 Who has heard such a thing?Who has seen such things?Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?Or shall a nation be born at once?For as soon as Zion was in labor,She gave birth to her children.
9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord.“Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.