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.
30. In vain I struck your children;correction they did not take.Your sword devoured your prophetslike a ravening lion.
31. You people of this generation,consider the word of the Lord:Have I become a wilderness to Israel,a land of gloom?Why then do my people say, “We have moved on,we will not come to you any more”?
32. Does a young woman forget her jewelry,a bride her sash?Yet my people have forgotten medays without number.
33. How well you pick your waywhen seeking love!In your wickedness,you have gone by ways unclean!
34. On your clothing isthe life-blood of the innocent,you did not find them committing burglary;
35. Nonetheless you say, “I am innocent;at least, his anger is turned away from me.”Listen! I will judge youon that word of yours, “I have not sinned.”
36. How frivolous you have becomein changing your course!By Egypt you will be shamed,just as you were shamed by Assyria.