Isaiah 1:21-31

²¹How hath a faithful city become a harlot? I have filled it with judgment, Righteousness lodgeth in it — now murderers.

²²Thy silver hath become dross, Thy drink polluted with water.

²³Thy princes are apostates, and companions of thieves, Every one loving a bribe, and pursuing rewards, The fatherless they judge not, And the plea of the widow cometh not to them.

²⁴Therefore — the affirmation of the Lord — Jehovah of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: Ah, I am eased of Mine adversaries, And I am avenged of Mine enemies,

²⁵And I turn back My hand upon thee, And I refine as purity thy dross, And I turn aside all thy tin,

²⁶And I give back thy judges as at the first, And thy counsellors as in the beginning, After this thou art called, 'A city of righteousness — a faithful city.'

²⁷Zion in judgment is redeemed, And her captivity in righteousness.

²⁸And the destruction of transgressors and sinners is together, And those forsaking Jehovah are consumed.

²⁹For men are ashamed because of the oaks That ye have desired, And ye are confounded because of the gardens That ye have chosen.

³⁰For ye are as an oak whose leaf is fading, And as a garden that hath no water.

³¹And the strong hath been for tow, And his work for a spark, And burned have both of them together, And there is none quenching!