Isaiah 1:21–31

Zion Corrupted, to be Redeemed

21 How the faithful city has become a aharlot,

She who was full of justice!

Righteousness once lodged in her,

But now murderers.

22 Your silver has become dross,

Your drink diluted with water.

23 Your arulers are rebels

And companions of thieves;

Everyone bloves a bribe

And chases after rewards.

They cdo not 1defend the 2orphan,

Nor does the widow’s plea come before them.

24 Therefore the Lord 1God of hosts,

The aMighty One of Israel, declares,

“Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries

And bavenge Myself on My foes.

25 “I will also turn My hand against you,

And will asmelt away your dross as with lye

And will remove all your alloy.

26 “Then I will restore your ajudges as at the first,

And your counselors as at the beginning;

After that you will be called the bcity of righteousness,

A faithful city.”

27 Zion will be aredeemed with justice

And her 1repentant ones with righteousness.

28 But 1transgressors and sinners will be acrushed together,

And those who forsake the Lord will come to an end.

29 Surely 1you will be ashamed of the 2aoaks which you have desired,

And you will be embarrassed at the bgardens which you have chosen.

30 For you will be like an 1oak whose aleaf fades away

Or as a garden that has no water.

31 The strong man will become tinder,

His work also a spark.

Thus they shall both aburn together

And there will be bnone to quench them.