13. “For my people have done two evil things:They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water.And they have dug for themselves cracked cisternsthat can hold no water at all!
14. “Why has Israel become a slave?Why has he been carried away as plunder?
15. Strong lions have roared against him,and the land has been destroyed.The towns are now in ruins,and no one lives in them anymore.
16. Egyptians, marching from their cities of Memphis and Tahpanhes,have destroyed Israel’s glory and power.
17. And you have brought this upon yourselvesby rebelling against the lord your God,even though he was leading you on the way!
18. “What have you gained by your alliances with Egyptand your covenants with Assyria?What good to you are the streams of the Nileor the waters of the Euphrates River?
19. Your wickedness will bring its own punishment.Your turning from me will shame you.You will see what an evil, bitter thing it isto abandon the lord your God and not to fear him.I, the Lord, the lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!
20. “Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed youand tore away the chains of your slavery,but still you said,‘I will not serve you.’On every hill and under every green tree,you have prostituted yourselves by bowing down to idols.