The son of Amoz took his stand
Declaring what the Lord had planned
Jerusalem, God’s precious child
Had turned its back, become defiled
‘Corrupted rebels!’ said the Lord
Denounced them as a faithless horde
The ox and donkey know their stall
But Judah had neglected all…
…the Lord had done and so the land
Lay desolate in foreign hand
And in the temple where God’s name
Was honoured, they would play their game
Of make-believe and sacrifice
But ritual would not suffice
Their incense was detestable
God hated every festival.
‘I will not listen to your prayer
While you neglect the basic care
Of widows, orphans and the weak.
Injustice makes religion reek.
Do not suppose your offering
Will bring relief from suffering,
For while your hands with blood are stained
From ritual is nothing gained.
‘Defend the weak, protect the poor
The widows, orphans at your door.
If you are willing to obey
Then come, let’s settle this today,
For though your sins are crimson red
They shall be white like snow instead.
Repent, return!’ declares the Lord
‘Or you shall feel my righteous sword.
‘But no! My justice you abhor,
The faithful city is a whore.
Your rulers love to take a bribe,
The widows, orphans you deride.
Your secret gardens, sacred oaks
Are in my nose an acrid hoax.
The faithful city will be purged,
Repent, return, as I have urged.’
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