2:13a Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts

But has not this decision come from Yahweh who commands armies?
-or-
Look (plur.), this was indeed from All-Powerful Yahweh! He decided
-or-
Pay attention, I am Yahweh Almighty! I decided
-or-
Be sure of this! I, All-Powerful Yahweh, decided

2:13b that the labor of the people only feeds the fire,

⌊Did he not decide⌋ that the people’s labor will be destroyed by fire,
-or-
that the people’s work ⌊is as useless as if someone would burn it⌋ in the fire.
-or-
that the things that people make would disappear as wood in a fire.

2:13c and the nations weary themselves in vain?

that the nations’ hard work is useless?
-or-

⌊He decided⌋ that all the nations’ hard work is as good as nothing/emptiness.
-or-
The nations work very hard, but nothing will result from it.

2:13a-c (reordered)

The work that the nations did ⌊will gain them⌋ nothing, and ⌊all the things they built will burn⌋ in the fire. I, Yahweh Almighty, do this.

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