14. Is Israel a slave,a servant by birth?If not, why then has he become prey?
15. Lions roar at him; they growl.They destroy his landand make his towns desolateuntil nothing is left.
16. As well, the people of Memphis and Tahpanheslay open your scalp.
17. Haven’t you brought this on yourselfby abandoning the Lord your God,who has directed your paths?
18. So why take the path to Egyptto drink water from the Nile?Why travel the path to Assyriato drink water from the Euphrates?
19. Your wrongdoing will punish you.Your acts of unfaithfulness will find you out.Don’t you understand how terribly bitterit is to abandon the Lord your Godand not fear me?declares the Lord of heavenly forces.
20. Long ago I broke your yoke;I shattered your chains.But even then you said, "I won’t serve you."On every high hill and under every lush tree,you have acted like a prostitute.
21. Yet it was I who planted you, a precious vine of fine quality;how could you turn into a wild vineand become good for nothing?
22. Even though you scrub yourself with soap or strong powder,the stain of your sin is still before me,declares the Lord God.
23. How can you say,"I’m not dirty;I haven’t gone after Baals."Look what you have done in the valley;consider what you have done there.You are like a frenzied young camel,racing around,
24. a wild donkey in the wilderness,lustfully sniffing the wind.Who can restrain such passion?Those who desire her need not give up;with little effort they will find her in heat.
25. Don’t run about until your feet are blisteredand your throat is parched.But you say, "What’s the use?I have fallen in love with foreign gods,and I must pursue them."
26. As a thief is ashamed when caught in his tracks,so the people of Israel are ashamed—their kings, officials, priests, and prophets—
27. when they say to a piece of wood, "You are my father,"and to a stone, "You gave me birth."They have turned their backs to meand not their faces.Yet in their time of trouble they say,"Arise and save us!"