A.(1) Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? (2) For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
B.(3) He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
C.(4) I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear:
B’. but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
A’.(5) Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. 6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.
A. 7 Before she travailed, she brought forth;
before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
B. 8 Who hath heard such a thing?
who hath seen such things?
C. Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day?
or shall a nation be born at once?
B’. for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
A’. 9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD:
shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.