[1] Beware wicked schemers, those who devise calamity as they lie in bed. As soon as morning dawns they carry out their plans, because they have the power to do so. [2] They confiscate the fields they desire and seize the houses they want. They defraud people of their homes and deprive people of the land they have inherited. [3] Therefore the LORD says this: "Look, I am devising disaster for this nation! It will be like a yoke from which you cannot free your neck. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of catastrophe. [4] In that day people will sing this taunt song to you-they will mock you with this lament: 'We are completely destroyed; they sell off the property of my people. How they remove it from me! They assign our fields to the conqueror.'" [5] Therefore no one will assign you land in the LORD's community. [6] "Don't preach with such impassioned rhetoric," they say excitedly. "These prophets should not preach of such things; we will not be overtaken by humiliation." [7] Does the family of Jacob say, "The LORD's patience can't be exhausted-he would never do such things"? To be sure, my commands bring a reward for those who obey them, [8] but you rise up as an enemy against my people. You steal a robe from a friend, from those who pass by peacefully as if returning from a war. [9] You wrongly evict widows among my people from their cherished homes. You defraud their children of their prized inheritance. [10] But you are the ones who will be forced to leave! For this land is not secure; sin will thoroughly destroy it! [11] If a lying windbag should come and say, 'I'll promise you blessings of wine and beer,' he would be just the right preacher for these people! [12] "I will certainly gather all of you, O Jacob, I will certainly assemble those Israelites who remain. I will bring them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in the middle of a pasture; they will be so numerous that they will make a lot of noise. [13] The one who can break through barriers will lead them out; they will break out, pass through the gate, and leave. Their king will advance before them; the LORD himself will lead them."
