Study Desk

Then the people who are left of Jacob will be among many people like water on the ground in the early morning from the Lord, like rain on the grass, which does not wait for man.

My people, what have I done to you? How have I made it hard for you? Answer Me.

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with 10,000 rivers of oil? Should I give my first-born to pay for not obeying? Should I give the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

It is bad for me! For I am like those who pick fruit and gather grapes. There are no grapes to eat, or any of the early figs that I want so much.

Both hands are very able in doing sinful things. The ruler and the judge ask for pay in secret to do what is wrong. The powerful man tells what he wants, and they all make plans together.

For a son does not honor his father. A daughter rises up against her mother. And a daughter-in-law turns against her mother-in-law. Those of a man's own house hate him.

But as for me, I will watch for the Lord. I will wait for the God Who saves me. My God will hear me.

I will suffer under the Lord's anger, because I have sinned against Him, until He speaks for me and does what is fair for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His saving power.

It will be a day for building your walls. At that time your land will be made larger.

The Lord has said this about you: "You will have no one to carry on your name. I will destroy the false gods and objects of worship from the house of your gods. I will make your grave ready, for you are very sinful."

See, on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news and speaks of peace! Keep your special suppers, O Judah. Keep your promises. For the sinful one will never come against you again. He is destroyed.

The one who destroys has come against you, O Nineveh. Put men on the battle-walls. Watch the road. Be strong. Be ready for battle.

For the Lord will make Jacob great again, like the greatness of Israel, even when destroyers have destroyed them and their vine branches.

Take the silver! Take the gold! For there is no end of the riches, every kind of thing of great worth.

The lion killed enough for his young, and for his female lions. He filled his home with food, with torn flesh.

It is bad for the city of blood, full of lies and stolen riches! There is no end of her prizes of war!

All who see you will leave you and say, ‘Nineveh is destroyed! Who will have sorrow for her?' Where can I find anyone to comfort you?"

Are you better than Thebes, which is by the Nile River? Water was all around her. The sea kept her safe, for the water was her wall.

You also will become drunk. You will be hidden. You will look for a safe place from those who hate you.

Store up water to drink when you are shut in by armies! Make your walls stronger! Go into the clay to make more clay blocks for building!