Isaiah 1:4-5, 21-24

How terrible! Israel is a nation of sin, a people loaded down with guilt, a group of children doing evil, children who are full of evil. They have left the LORD; they hate God, the Holy One of Israel, and have turned away from him as if he were a stranger. Why should you continue to be punished? Why do you continue to turn against him? Your whole head is hurt, and your whole heart is sick.

The city of Jerusalem once followed the LORD, but she is no longer loyal to him. She used to be filled with fairness; people there lived the way God wanted. But now, murderers live there. Jerusalem, you have become like the scum left when silver is purified; you are like wine mixed with water. Your rulers are rebels and friends of thieves. They all accept money for doing wrong, and they are paid to cheat people. They don’t seek justice for the orphans or listen to the widows’ needs. So the Lord GOD All-Powerful, the Mighty One of Israel, says: “You, my enemies, will not cause me any more trouble. I will pay you back for what you did.