The Faithful City Must Be Purged of Violence and Bribery

The faithful city is lamented because justice has become murder

How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Silver is become dross, wine mixed with water, princes rebellious and companions of thieves. Every one loves gifts and follows after rewards; they judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come unto them.

The poem is grief over Jerusalem, not a deed to modern real estate and not a claim that any present city or nation is immune. Zion language here names a people charged with selling justice. It does not authorize supersessionist replacement of Israel, nationalist innocence, or coercive control of women and communities.

Purging aims at restored judges, not at destroying the city for sport

The Lord GOD of hosts says he will ease himself of adversaries and avenge himself of enemies. He will turn his hand upon Zion, purge away dross, and restore judges as at the first, counselors as at the beginning; afterward the city shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

The destruction of transgressors and of the oaks and gardens people chose instead of the Holy One is the ruin of unfaithful worship and of those who cling to it. The hoped-for name is faithfulness restored. The fire at the end is the end of that false security, not a charter for later rulers to purify a population by force.