The city and the refining fire

21How the faithful city has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers.

22Your silver has become dross; your wine is diluted with water.

23Your rulers are rebels and companions of thieves; every one of them loves a bribe and runs after payments. They do not defend the orphan, and the widow’s case does not come before them.

24Therefore the declaration of the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, the Mighty One of Israel: “Ah, I will get relief from my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.”

25I will turn my hand against you, and I will smelt away your dross as with lye, and remove all your alloy.

26And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the city of righteousness, a faithful city.

27Zion will be redeemed by justice, and her returnees by righteousness.