‘This is what the Lord God says: Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are; exalt the lowly and bring down the exalted.
I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’
Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the Lord. I bring down the tall tree, and make the low tree tall. I cause the green tree to wither and make the withered tree thrive. I, the Lord, have spoken and I will do it.” ’
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the rubbish heap. He seats them with noblemen and gives them a throne of honour. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; he has set the world on them.
Let the desert and its cities shout, the settlements where Kedar dwells cry aloud. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops.
“What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it! ” ’
Go out, go out through the city gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the road; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples.