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.