The ’s Case against His People

2 The LORD gave me another message. He said, 2 “Go and shout this message to Jerusalem. This is what the LORD says: even through the barren wilderness. 3 In those days Israel was holy to the LORD, I, the LORD, have spoken!” 4 Listen to the word of the LORD, people of Jacob—all you families of Israel! 5 This is what the LORD says: only to become worthless themselves. 6 They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD where no one lives or even travels?’ 7 “And when I brought you into a fruitful land and corrupted the possession I had promised you. 8 The priests did not ask, wasting their time on worthless idols. 9 Therefore, I will bring my case against you,” in the years to come. 10 “Go west and look in the land of Cyprus; as strange as this? 11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, for worthless idols! 12 The heavens are shocked at such a thing says the LORD. 13 “For my people have done two evil things: that can hold no water at all! 14 “Why has Israel become a slave? Why has he been carried away as plunder? 15 Strong lions have roared against him, and no one lives in them anymore. 16 Egyptians, marching from their cities of Memphis and Tahpanhes, have destroyed Israel’s glory and power. 17 And you have brought this upon yourselves even though he was leading you on the way! 18 “What have you gained by your alliances with Egypt or the waters of the Euphrates River? 19 Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. I, the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken! 20 “Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed you you have prostituted yourselves by bowing down to idols. 21 But I was the one who planted you, How did you grow into this corrupt wild vine? 22 No amount of soap or lye can make you clean. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken! 23 “You say, ‘That’s not true! desperately searching for a mate. 24 You are like a wild donkey, for she goes running to them! 25 When will you stop running? and I can’t stop loving them now!’ 26 “Israel is like a thief all are alike in this. 27 To an image carved from a piece of wood they say, ‘Come and save us!’ 28 But why not call on these gods you have made? as there are towns in Judah. 29 Why do you accuse me of doing wrong? says the LORD. 30 “I have punished your children, as a lion kills its prey. 31 “O my people, listen to the words of the LORD! We don’t need him anymore!’ 32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry, my people have forgotten me. 33 “How you plot and scheme to win your lovers. Even an experienced prostitute could learn from you! 34 Your clothing is stained with the blood of the innocent and the poor, though you didn’t catch them breaking into your houses! 35 And yet you say, because you claim you have not sinned. 36 First here, then there— just as Assyria did before. 37 In despair, you will be led into exile They will not help you at all.