6. They didn’t ask,"Where’s the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt,who led us through the wilderness,in a land of deserts and ravines,in a land of drought and darkness,in a land of no return,where no one survives?"
7. I brought you into a land of plenty,to enjoy its gifts and goodness,but you ruined my land;you disgraced my heritage.
8. The priests didn’t ask,"Where’s the Lord?"Those responsible for the Instruction didn’t know me;the leaders rebelled against me;the prophets spoke in the name of Baal,going after what has no value.
9. That is why I will take you to courtand charge even your descendants,declares the Lord.
10. Look to the west as far as the shores of Cyprusand to the east as far as the land of Kedar.Ask anyone there:Has anything this odd ever taken place?
11. Has a nation switched gods,though they aren’t really gods at all?Yet my people have exchanged their gloryfor what has no value.
12. Be stunned at such a thing, you heavens;shudder and quake,declares the Lord.
13. My people have committed two crimes:They have forsaken me, the spring of living water.And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water.
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?