As a spring pours out its fresh water, so she pours out her fresh evil. All I see are the sick and wounded; the violence and destruction within her cry out.
Violence has grown up into a rod to punish their wickedness. None of these proud, evil people will survive. All their wealth and prestige will be swept away.
Whenever I prophesy, you have me speak, “Violence and destruction!” I am ridiculed every time I proclaim your word. I get nothing but trouble and insults all day long.
For your city is still full of bloodshed. Your people have poured the blood of your murdered victims on the bare rocks. You didn’t bother to pour it on the ground where at least the dust could cover it.
So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.
Their “webs” cannot substitute as clothing, they cannot cover themselves with the lies they spin, nor can their works cover them adequately. Their actions are evil, and the wages of violence is in their hands.
Lord Yahweh says this: “You have overstepped your bounds, you leaders of Israel! Stop your violence and oppression and start practicing justice and righteousness. I, Lord Yahweh, say to you: Do what is right and just, and stop forcing people from their homes so that you can take their property.
You are corrupt from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head. There is no integrity — nothing but bruises, putrefying sores, and raw open wounds! They have not been drained or bandaged or soothed with oil.
There is no point in crying out over your pain, for your wound is incurable. I have treated you like this because of your great guilt and countless sins.
The visions you had are false. When you consulted your gods about what would happen, their answers were lies. Your day of judgment has come! It’s high time for your punishment to reach its climax. The sword is going to cut off your heads!