Isaiah 66:2–9

2 For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,”

Says the Lord.

b“But on this one will I look:

cOn him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

3 “He dwho kills a bull is as if he slays a man;

He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he ebreaks a dog’s neck;

He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood;

He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.

Just as they have chosen their own ways,

And their soul delights in their abominations,

4 So will I choose their delusions,

And bring their fears on them;

fBecause, when I called, no one answered,

When I spoke they did not hear;

But they did evil before My eyes,

And chose that in which I do not delight.”

The Lord Vindicates Zion

5 Hear the word of the Lord,

You who tremble at His word:

“Your brethren who ghated you,

Who cast you out for My name’s sake, said,

h‘Let the Lord be glorified,

That iwe may see your joy.’

But they shall be ashamed.”

6 The sound of noise from the city!

A voice from the temple!

The voice of the Lord,

Who fully repays His enemies!

7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth;

Before her pain came,

She delivered a male child.

8 Who has heard such a thing?

Who has seen such things?

Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?

Or shall a nation be born at once?

For as soon as Zion was in labor,

She gave birth to her children.

9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord.

“Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.