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.