3 This is what the Lord says: Administer justice and righteousness.z Rescue the victim of robbery from his oppressor.aa Don’t exploit or brutalize the resident alien, the fatherless, or the widow.a Don’t shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you conscientiously carry out this word, then kings sitting on David’s throne will enter through the gates of this palaceb riding on chariots and horses—they, their officers, and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these words, then I swear by myselfc—this is the Lord’s declaration—that this house will become a ruin.’ ”d