¹ This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? ² Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. ³ But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog`s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig`s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations; ⁴ so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” ⁵ Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: “Your own people who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy!` Yet they will be put to shame. ⁶ Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of the Lord repaying his enemies all they deserve. ⁷ “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. ⁸ Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.