3 But those who choose their own ways—delighting in their detestable sins—will not have their offerings accepted.When such people sacrifice a bull,it is no more acceptable than a human sacrifice.When they sacrifice a lamb,it’s as though they had sacrificed a dog!When they bring an offering of grain,they might as well offer the blood of a pig.When they burn frankincense,it’s as if they had blessed an idol.
4 I will send them great trouble—all the things they feared.For when I called, they did not answer.When I spoke, they did not listen.They deliberately sinned before my very eyesand chose to do what they know I despise.”
5 Hear this message from the lord,all you who tremble at his words:“Your own people hate youand throw you out for being loyal to my name.‘Let the lord be honored!’ they scoff.‘Be joyful in him!’But they will be put to shame.
6 What is all the commotion in the city?What is that terrible noise from the Temple?It is the voice of the lordtaking vengeance against his enemies.
7 “Before the birth pains even begin,Jerusalem gives birth to a son.
8 Who has ever seen anything as strange as this?Who ever heard of such a thing?Has a nation ever been born in a single day?Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment?But by the time Jerusalem’s birth pains begin,her children will be born.
9 Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birthand then not deliver it?” asks the lord.“No! I would never keep this nation from being born,”says your God.