33 As I live”—the declaration of the Lord God—“I will rule over you with a strong hand, an outstretched arm,(A) and outpoured wrath. 34 I will bring you from the peoples and gather you from the countries where you were scattered,(B) with a strong hand, an outstretched arm,(C) and outpoured wrath. 35 I will lead you into the wilderness of the peoples(D) and enter into judgment with you there face to face. 36 Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt,(E) so I will enter into judgment with you.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. 37 “I will make you pass under the rod(F) and will bring you into the bond of the covenant. 38 And I will also purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me.(G) I will bring them out of the land where they live as foreign residents, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.

39 “As for you, house of Israel, this is what the Lord God says: Go and serve your idols, each of you. But afterward you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols.(H)

Read full chapter

The Coming Discipline of Israel

33 “As I live,” declares the Lord God, “with my powerful hand and outstretched arm, along with my wrath poured out, I’ll reign as king over you. 34 I’ll bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you were scattered. With a powerful hand, with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, 35 I’ll bring you into the wilderness of the nations. I’ll judge you right there, face to face. 36 Just as I judged your ancestors in the wilderness in the land of Egypt, so I’ll judge you,” declares the Lord. 37 “I’ll cause you to pass under the rod until I will have brought you into the bond of the covenant. 38 I’ll eliminate the rebels among you, along with those who are transgressing against me. I’ll bring them out of the land where you’ve lived, but they won’t be able to enter the land of Israel. Then you’ll know that I am the Lord.”

The Coming Regathering of Israel

39 And now, you house of Israel, this is what the Lord God says, “Go ahead and serve your idols, both now and later, but later you’ll listen to me, and you won’t profane my sacred name again by your offerings and idols.

Read full chapter