30. I have struck down your children in vain;they would not accept discipline. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a ravaging lion.
31. Evil generation,pay attention to the word of the Lord!Have I been a wilderness to Israelor a land of dense darkness? Why do My people claim,“We will go where we want; we will no longer come to You”?
32. Can a young woman forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash?Yet My people have forgotten Me for countless days.
33. How skillfully you pursue love;you also teach evil women your ways.
34. Moreover, your skirts are stainedwith the blood of the innocent poor. You did not catch them breaking and entering. But in spite of all these things
35. you claim, “I am innocent. His anger is sure to turn away from me.”But I will certainly judge youbecause you have said, “I have not sinned.”
36. How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways!You will be put to shame by Egypt just as you were put to shame by Assyria.
37. Moreover, you will be led out from herewith your hands on your head since the Lord has rejected those you trust; you will not succeed even with their help.