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.
21. But I was the one who planted you,choosing a vine of the purest stock—the very best.How did you grow into this corrupt wild vine?
22. No amount of soap or lye can make you clean.I still see the stain of your guilt.I, the Sovereign lord, have spoken!
23. “You say, ‘That’s not true!I haven’t worshiped the images of Baal!’But how can you say that?Go and look in any valley in the land!Face the awful sins you have done.You are like a restless female cameldesperately searching for a mate.
24. You are like a wild donkey,sniffing the wind at mating time.Who can restrain her lust?Those who desire her don’t need to search,for she goes running to them!
25. When will you stop running?When will you stop panting after other gods?But you say, ‘Save your breath.I’m in love with these foreign gods,and I can’t stop loving them now!’
26. “Israel is like a thiefwho feels shame only when he gets caught.They, their kings, officials, priests, and prophets—all are alike in this.