Isaiah 9:13-17

Common English Bible

¹³ But the people didn’t turn to the one who struck them.
    They didn’t seek the Lord of heavenly forces.
¹⁴ So the Lord cut off head and tail,
    palm branch and reed from Israel in one day.
¹⁵     (Elders and celebrities are the head;
    prophets who teach lies are the tail.)
¹⁶ But this people’s leaders were misleading,
    and those being led were confused.
¹⁷ So the Lord showed their youth no pity,
    and showed their orphans and widows no mercy;
    for everyone was godless and evil;
        every mouth spoke nonsense.
Even then God’s anger didn’t turn away;
    God’s hand was still extended.