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17 
Learn to do good.
Seek justice,
Rebuke the ruthless,
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the [rights of the] widow [in court].

“Let Us Reason”

18 
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord.
[a]Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool.
19 
“If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the best of the land;

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 1:18 There was a legend among the rabbis that on the Day of Atonement a scarlet woolen thread was tied to the door of the temple, and when the scapegoat reached the wilderness (Lev 16:10), if the sins of Israel were forgiven the thread would miraculously turn white.

17 Learn to do right;(A) seek justice.(B)
    Defend the oppressed.[a](C)
Take up the cause of the fatherless;(D)
    plead the case of the widow.(E)

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”(F)
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;(G)
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.(H)
19 If you are willing and obedient,(I)
    you will eat the good things of the land;(J)

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 1:17 Or justice. / Correct the oppressor