15. Like a lion the enemy has roared at Israel. They have destroyed your land. Your cities have been burned, and no one is left in them.
16. People from Memphis and Tahpanhes have smashed the top of your head.
17. This trouble is your own fault. The Lord your God was leading you the right way, but you turned away from him.
18. People of Judah, think about this: How did it help you to go to Egypt and drink from the Nile River? How did it help you to go to Assyria and drink from the Euphrates River?
19. You have done wrong, and that will only bring punishment to you. Trouble will come to you, and it will teach you a lesson. Think about it and understand how bad it is to turn away from the Lord your God. It is wrong not to fear and respect me.” This message is from Lord GOD All-Powerful.
20. “Judah, long ago you broke free from me, like an ox that breaks its yoke and the ropes that held it. You said to me, ‘I will not serve you!’ On every high hill and under every green tree, you acted like a prostitute.
21. Judah, I planted you like a special vine. You were all from good seed. How did you turn into a different vine that grows bad fruit?
22. Even if you wash yourself with lye, even if you use much soap, I can still see your guilt.” This message is from the Lord GOD.
23. “Judah, how can you say to me, ‘I am not guilty because I have not worshiped the Baal idols’? Think about what you did in the valley. Think about what you have done. You are like a fast she-camel that runs from place to place.
24. You are like a wild donkey that lives in the desert. At mating time, she sniffs the wind. No one can control her when she is in heat. At mating time, every male that wants her will get her. She is easy to find.
25. Judah, stop chasing after idols! Stop wanting those other gods. But you say, ‘It is no use! I cannot stop! I love those other gods. I can’t stop chasing them.’
26. “A thief is ashamed when people catch him stealing. The people of Israel should be ashamed too and so should their kings and leaders, priests and prophets.
27. They say to pieces of wood, ‘You are my father.’ They say to a rock, ‘You gave birth to me.’ All these people will be ashamed. They don’t look to me for help. They have turned their backs to me. But when the people of Judah get into trouble, they say to me, ‘Come and save us!’
28. But where are the idols you made for yourselves? Let’s see if they come and save you when you are in trouble! People of Judah, you have as many idols as you have cities!
29. “Why do you argue with me? You have all turned against me.” This message was from the Lord.
30. “I punished you people of Judah, but it did not help. You did not come back when you were punished. With your swords you killed the prophets who came to you. Like a dangerous lion, you killed the prophets.”