6. The wild donkeys stand on the bare hillspanting like thirsty jackals.They strain their eyes looking for grass,but there is none to be found.”
7. The people say, “Our wickedness has caught up with us, lord,but help us for the sake of your own reputation.We have turned away from youand sinned against you again and again.
8. O Hope of Israel, our Savior in times of trouble,why are you like a stranger to us?Why are you like a traveler passing through the land,stopping only for the night?
9. Are you also confused?Is our champion helpless to save us?You are right here among us, lord.We are known as your people.Please don’t abandon us now!”
10. So this is what the lord says to his people:“You love to wander far from meand do not restrain yourselves.Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people.Now I will remember all your wickednessand will punish you for your sins.”
11. Then the lord said to me, “Do not pray for these people anymore.
12. When they fast, I will pay no attention. When they present their burnt offerings and grain offerings to me, I will not accept them. Instead, I will devour them with war, famine, and disease.”
13. Then I said, “O Sovereign lord, their prophets are telling them, ‘All is well—no war or famine will come. The lord will surely send you peace.’”
14. Then the lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.