"At that time I will make the clans of Judah like a fire in a forest or in a field of ripe grain---they will destroy all the surrounding nations. The people of Jerusalem will remain safe in the city.

My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with the people who gladly volunteered. Praise the LORD!

Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the LORD is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you.

Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case.

I will give you rulers and advisers like those you had long ago. Then Jerusalem will be called the righteous, faithful city."

The LORD has made you drowsy, ready to fall into a deep sleep. The prophets should be the eyes of the people, but God has blindfolded them.

Some day there will be a king who rules with integrity, and national leaders who govern with justice.

"I will bring you gold instead of bronze, Silver and bronze instead of iron and wood, And iron instead of stone. Your rulers will no longer oppress you; I will make them rule with justice and peace.

Their ruler will come from their own nation, their prince from their own people. He will approach me when I invite him, for who would dare come uninvited? They will be my people, and I will be their God. I, the LORD, have spoken."

And just as surely as I have done this, so I will maintain my covenant with Jacob's descendants and with my servant David. I will choose one of David's descendants to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will be merciful to my people and make them prosperous again."

This area will be the share the ruling prince will have in the land of Israel, so that he will no longer oppress the people, but will let the rest of the country belong to the tribes of Israel.

The Sovereign LORD said, "You have sinned too long, you rulers of Israel! Stop your violence and oppression. Do what is right and just. You must never again drive my people off their land. I, the Sovereign LORD, am telling you this.

"I will make the people of Judah strong; I will rescue the people of Israel. I will have compassion on them and bring them all back home. They will be as though I had never rejected them. I am the LORD their God; I will answer their prayers.

I will make my people strong; they will worship and obey me." The LORD has spoken.

He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my pathway safe.

You give me strength for the battle and victory over my enemies.

Now I know that the LORD gives victory to his chosen king; he answers him from his holy heaven and by his power gives him great victories.

Some trust in their war chariots and others in their horses, but we trust in the power of the LORD our God.

God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Proclaim God's power; his majesty is over Israel, his might is in the skies.

How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary--- the God of Israel! He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God!

Many enemies were around me; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD!

They swarmed around me like bees, but they burned out as quickly as a brush fire; by the power of the LORD I destroyed them.

The LORD makes me powerful and strong; he has saved me.

Praise the LORD, my protector! He trains me for battle and prepares me for war.

He will give a sense of justice to those who serve as judges, and courage to those who defend the city gates from attack.

Do not be afraid---I am with you! I am your God---let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

and will disappear from the earth.

The LORD says, "Small and weak as you are, Israel, don't be afraid; I will help you. I, the holy God of Israel, am the one who saves you.

You will toss them in the air; the wind will carry them off, and they will be scattered by the storm. Then you will be happy because I am your God; you will praise me, the holy God of Israel.

The LORD roars from Mount Zion; his voice thunders from Jerusalem; earth and sky tremble. But he will defend his people.

But his answer was: "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.

I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.