16. This was because they rejected my laws and did not follow my rules. They dishonored my Sabbaths and wanted to worship their idols.
17. But I had pity on them. I did not destroy them or put an end to them in the desert.
18. I said to their children in the desert, “Don’t live by the rules of your parents, or obey their laws. Don’t make yourselves unclean with their idols.
19. I am the Lord your God. Live by my rules, obey my laws, and follow them.
20. Keep my Sabbaths holy, and they will be a sign between me and you. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”
21. “ ‘But the children turned against me. They did not live by my rules, nor were they careful to obey my laws, by which people will live if they obey them. They dishonored my Sabbaths. So I decided to pour out my anger against them in the desert.
22. But I held back my anger. I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be dishonored in full view of the nations who watched as I brought the Israelites out.
23. And in the desert I swore to the Israelites that I would scatter them among the nations and spread them among the countries,
24. because they had not obeyed my laws. They had rejected my rules and dishonored my Sabbaths and worshiped the idols of their parents.
25. I also allowed them to follow rules that were not good and laws by which they could not live.
26. I let the Israelites make themselves unclean by the gifts they brought to their gods when they sacrificed their first children in the fire. I wanted to terrify them so they would know that I am the Lord.’
27. “So, human, speak to the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Your ancestors spoke against me by being unfaithful to me in another way.