18. And now, why go to Egypt,to drink the waters of the Nile?Why go to Assyria,to drink the waters of the River?
19. Your own wickedness chastises you,your own infidelities punish you.Know then, and see, how evil and bitteris your forsaking the Lord, your God,And your showing no fear of me,oracle of the Lord, the God of hosts.
20. Long ago you broke your yoke,you tore off your bonds.You said, “I will not serve.”On every high hill, under every green tree,you sprawled and served as a prostitute.
21. But I had planted you as a choice vine,all pedigreed stock;How could you turn out so obnoxious to me,a spurious vine?
22. Even if you scour it with lye,and use much soap,The stain of your guilt is still before me,oracle of the Lord God.
23. How can you say, “I am not defiled,I have not pursued the Baals”?Consider your conduct in the Valley,recall what you have done:A skittish young camel,running back and forth,
24. a wild donkey bred in the wilderness,Sniffing the wind in her desire—who can restrain her lust?None seeking her need tire themselves;in her time they will find her.
25. Stop wearing out your feetand parching your throat!But you say, “No use! No!How I love these strangers,after them I must go.”
26. As the thief is shamed when caught,so shall the house of Israel be shamed:They, their kings, their princes,their priests and their prophets;
27. They say to a piece of wood, “You are my father,”and to a stone, “You gave me birth.”They turn their backs to me, not their faces;yet in their time of trouble they cry out,“Rise up and save us!”
28. Where are the gods you made for yourselves?Let them rise up!Will they save you in your time of trouble?For as numerous as your citiesare your gods, O Judah!And as many as the streets of Jerusalemare the altars you have set up for Baal.
29. Why are you arguing with me?You have all rebelled against me—oracle of the Lord.