4. Then I thought to myself,“These common peopleact like fools,and they have never learntwhat the Lord their Goddemands of them.
5. I'll go and talk to the leaders.They know what God demands.”But even they had decidednot to obey the Lord.
6. The people have rebelledand rejected the Lordtoo many times.So enemies will attacklike lions from the forestor wolves from the desert.Those enemies will watchthe towns of Judah,and like leopardsthey will tear to pieceswhoever goes outside.
7. People of Judah,how can I forgive you?I gave you everything,but you abandoned meand worshipped idols.You men go to prostitutesand are unfaithfulto your wives.
8. You are no better than animals,and you always want sexwith someone else's wife.
9. Why shouldn't I punishthe people of Judah?
10. I will tell their enemies,“Go through my vineyard.Don't destroy the vines,but cut off the branches,because they are the peoplewho don't belong to me.”