The Corruption of Zion

[See] how the faithful city has become a harlot!

She once was full of justice;

righteousness resided within her,

but now only murderers!

22 

Your silver has become dross;

your fine wine is diluted with water.

23 

Your rulers are rebels,

friends of thieves.

They all love bribes

and chasing after rewards.

They do not defend the fatherless,

and the plea of the widow never comes before them.

24 

Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts,

the Mighty One of Israel, declares:

“Ah, I will be relieved of My foes

and avenge Myself on My enemies.

25 

I will turn My hand against you;

I will thoroughly purge your dross;

I will remove all your impurities.

26 

I will restore your judges as at first,

and your counselors as at the beginning.

After that you will be called the City of Righteousness,

the Faithful City.”

27 

Zion will be redeemed with justice,

her repentant ones with righteousness.

28 

But rebels and sinners will together be shattered,

and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

29 

Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks

in which you have delighted;

you will be embarrassed by the gardens

that you have chosen.

30 

For you will become like an oak whose leaves are withered,

like a garden without water.

31 

The strong man will become tinder

and his work [will be] a spark;

both will burn together,

with no one to quench the flames. 2