Study Desk

"Ask me for proof that my promise will come true. Ask for something to happen deep in the world of the dead or high in the heavens above."

Then I said: Listen, every one of you in the royal family of David. You have already tried my patience. Now you are trying God's patience by refusing to ask for proof.

But the Lord will make more trouble for your people and your kingdom than any of you have known since Israel broke away from Judah. He will even bring the king of Assyria to attack you.

All of you foreign nations, go ahead and prepare for war, but you will be crushed.

Run to me for protection. I am a rock that will make both Judah and Israel stumble and break their bones. I am a trap that will catch the people of Jerusalem—they will be captured and dragged away.

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.

The Lord All-Powerful was angry and used the people as fuel for a fire that scorched the land. They turned against each other

You people are in for trouble! You have made cruel and unfair laws

But what will you do when you are fiercely attacked and punished by foreigners? Where will you run for help? Where will you hide your valuables?

Soon I will stop being angry with you, and I will punish them for their crimes.

Then they will no longer rule your nation. All will go well for you, and your burden will be lifted.

Leopards will lie down with young goats, and wolves will rest with lambs. Calves and lions will eat together and be cared for by little children.

The time is coming when one of David's descendants will be the signal for the people of all nations to come together. They will follow his advice, and his own nation will become famous.

Then for his people who survive, there will be a good road from Assyria, just as there was a good road for their ancestors when they left Egypt.

Listen to the noisy crowds on the mountains! Kingdoms and nations are joining forces. The Lord All-Powerful is bringing together an army for battle.

Then you will make fun of the King of Babylonia by singing this song: That cruel monster is done for! He won't attack us again.

The world of the dead eagerly waits for you. With great excitement, the spirits of ancient rulers hear about your coming.

We will slaughter your sons to make them pay for the crimes of their ancestors. They won't take over the world or build cities anywhere on this earth.

The Lord will sweep out the people, and the land will become a swamp for wild animals.

I have planned this for the whole world, and my mighty arm controls every nation.