I humbled myself before God at the evening offering. I got up, with signs of grief, and fell on my knees with my hands stretched out to Jehovah my God,

What hope doe the godless have when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?

If I had thought about doing anything sinful, Jehovah would not have listened to me.

Lift up your hands in holiness and bless Jehovah.

You will ask for my help, but I will not listen. You will search, but you will not find me.

Even if they go without food, I will not listen to their cries for help. Even if they sacrifice burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not be pleased with them. But I will destroy these people with wars, famines, and plagues.

Jehovah said to me: Mortal man, do you see that? These people of Judah are not satisfied with merely doing all the disgusting things you have seen here and with spreading violence throughout the country. No, they must come and do them right here in the Temple and make me even angrier. Look how they insult me in the most offensive way possible by thrusting the shoot to my nose! (an obsene reference or jesture to Jehovah)

They will cry to Jehovah but he will not answer them. In fact, he will hide his face from them at that time because they have done evil things.

I cried, and they would not listen. Now they will cry, and I will not listen,' said Jehovah of Hosts!

The master of the house will close the door. You stand outside and knock on the door and say: 'Open the door for us, sir!' He will answer: 'I do not know where you come from!'

I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

Make many prayers

Large quantities of meaningless words and repetition are not acceptable in prayer. The pagans think their gods will hear long and repetitious prayers.

[Verse not found in oldest manuscripts.]

Your hands

But your wrongs have separated you from your God. Your sins have made him hide his face so that he does not even hear you.

You are trusting in deceptive words that are of no value to you.

Please hear this you heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel. You who abhor justice, and pervert honesty!

General references

They cried out for help, but there was no one to save them. They cried out to Jehovah, but he did not answer them.

I will declare your righteousness and your works, yet they will not profit you.

You have killed many people in this city and have filled its streets with corpses.'

Do not let that man think that he will receive anything from God.