13. My people have committed two crimes:They have forsaken me, the spring of living water.And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water.
14. Is Israel a slave,a servant by birth?If not, why then has he become prey?
15. Lions roar at him; they growl.They destroy his landand make his towns desolateuntil nothing is left.
16. As well, the people of Memphis and Tahpanheslay open your scalp.
17. Haven’t you brought this on yourselfby abandoning the Lord your God,who has directed your paths?
18. So why take the path to Egyptto drink water from the Nile?Why travel the path to Assyriato drink water from the Euphrates?
19. Your wrongdoing will punish you.Your acts of unfaithfulness will find you out.Don’t you understand how terribly bitterit is to abandon the Lord your Godand not fear me?declares the Lord of heavenly forces.