27. Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face.But in the time of their troubleThey will say, ‘Arise and save us.’
28. But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves?Let them arise,If they can save you in the time of your trouble;For according to the number of your citiesAre your gods, O Judah.
29. “Why will you plead with Me?You all have transgressed against Me,” says the Lord.
30. “In vain I have chastened your children;They received no correction.Your sword has devoured your prophetsLike a destroying lion.
31. “O generation, see the word of the Lord!Have I been a wilderness to Israel,Or a land of darkness?Why do My people say, ‘We are lords;We will come no more to You’?
32. Can a virgin forget her ornaments,Or a bride her attire?Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.
33. “Why do you beautify your way to seek love?Therefore you have also taughtThe wicked women your ways.
34. Also on your skirts is foundThe blood of the lives of the poor innocents.I have not found it by secret search,But plainly on all these things.
35. Yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent,Surely His anger shall turn from me.’Behold, I will plead My case against you,Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
36. Why do you gad about so much to change your way?Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria.