God Will Judge Israel

2:6 This is what the Lord says:

“Because Israel has committed three covenant transgressions22—

make that four!23—I will not revoke my decree of judgment.24

They sold the innocent25 for silver,

the needy for a pair of sandals.26

2:7 They trample27 on the dirt-covered heads of the poor;28

they push the destitute away.29

A man and his father go to the same girl;30

in this way they show disrespect31 for my moral purity.32

2:8 They stretch out on clothing seized as collateral;

they do so right33 beside every altar!

They drink wine bought with the fines they have levied;

they do so right in the temple34 of their God!35

2:9 For Israel’s sake I destroyed the Amorites.36

They were as tall as cedars37

and as strong as oaks,

but I destroyed the fruit on their branches38

and their roots in the ground.39

2:10 I brought you up from the land of Egypt;

I led you through the wilderness for forty years

so you could take the Amorites’ land as your own.

2:11 I made some of your sons prophets

and some of your young men Nazirites.40

Is this not true, you Israelites?”

The Lord is speaking!

2:12 “But you made the Nazirites drink wine;41

you commanded the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy!’

2:13 Look! I will press you down,

like a cart loaded down with grain presses down.42

2:14 Fast runners will find no place to hide;43

strong men will have no strength left;44

warriors will not be able to save their lives.

2:15 Archers45 will not hold their ground;46

fast runners will not save their lives,

nor will those who ride horses.47

2:16 Bravehearted48 warriors will run away naked in that day.”

The Lord is speaking!