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 For the wicked are found among my people.
    They lie in wait like hunters;
destroyers,[a] they catch humans.(A)
27 Like a cage full of birds,
    their houses are full of treachery;
therefore they have become great and rich;(B)
28     they have grown fat and sleek.
They know no limits in deeds of wickedness;
    they do not judge with justice
the cause of the orphan, to make it prosper,
    and they do not defend the rights of the needy.(C)
29 Shall I not punish them for these things?
            says the Lord,
    and shall I not bring retribution
    on a nation such as this?(D)

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Footnotes

  1. 5.26 Meaning of Heb uncertain