The Holy One of Israel Says

Go now, write it on a tablet for them,

inscribe it on a scroll,

that for the days to come

it may be an everlasting witness.

These are rebellious people, deceitful children,

children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction.

They say to the seers,

"See no more visions!"

and to the prophets,

"Give us no more visions of what is right!

Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.

Leave this way, get off this path,

and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!"

Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says:

"Because you have rejected this message,

relied on oppression and depended on deceit,

this sin will become for you like a high wall,

cracked and bulging,

that collapses suddenly, in an instant.

It will break in pieces like pottery,

shatter so mercilessly that among its pieces

not a fragment will be found

for taking coals from a hearth

or scooping water out of a cistern."

This is what the Sovereign Lord,

the Holy One of Israel says:

"In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,

but you would have none of it."

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

He rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for Him!

(Isaiah 30:8-15,18)