26 for wicked men live among my people.
They watch like hunters[a] lying in wait.[b](A)
They set a trap;(B)
they catch men.
27 Like a cage full of birds,
so their houses are full of deceit.(C)
Therefore they have grown powerful and rich.
28 They have become fat(D) and sleek.
They have also excelled in evil matters.
They have not taken up cases,
such as the case of the fatherless, so they might prosper,
and they have not defended the rights of the needy.(E)
29 Should I not punish them for these things?
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Should I not avenge myself(F)
on such a nation as this?

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Footnotes

  1. 5:26 Lit hunters of birds
  2. 5:26 Hb obscure

26 “Among my people are the wicked(A)
    who lie in wait(B) like men who snare birds
    and like those who set traps(C) to catch people.
27 Like cages full of birds,
    their houses are full of deceit;(D)
they have become rich(E) and powerful
28     and have grown fat(F) and sleek.
Their evil deeds have no limit;
    they do not seek justice.
They do not promote the case of the fatherless;(G)
    they do not defend the just cause of the poor.(H)
29 Should I not punish them for this?”
    declares the Lord.
“Should I not avenge(I) myself
    on such a nation as this?

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