Thus says the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all who took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.
I was angry with my people, I have polluted my inheritance, and given them into your hand: you showed them no mercy; upon the elderly have you very heavily laid your yoke.
But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you; who have said to your soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and you have laid down your body like the ground, and like the street, to those who went over.
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
All who found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We do not offend, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.