The Temple Defiled

²⁰ “As for his beautiful ornament,^[a] he set it up in majesty, but they made detestable images and loathsome idols. Therefore, I’ll give them something loathsome— ²¹ I’ll give it as plunder into the control of strangers and as the spoils of war to the wicked who will invade the land to profane it. ²² I’ll turn my face away from them so that they’ll defile my treasured place. Robbers will enter and profane it!

²³ “Forge a chain, because the land is full of bloody judgment and the city is filled with violence. ²⁴ Therefore, I’m bringing the worst of the nations, who will take possession of their houses. I’ll cause the pride of the mighty to cease, and their sanctuaries will be profaned.

²⁵ “When destruction comes, they’ll seek peace, but there will be none to be found. ²⁶ Disaster upon disaster will come, followed by rumor after rumor. They’ll seek an oracle from the prophet, but the Law will be gone from the priests, and counsel from the elders.

²⁷ “The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with desolation,^[b] and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I’ll deal with them according to their behavior and I will judge them by how they’ve judged. Then they’ll learn^[c] that I am the Lord.”