8. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baaland went after things that do not profit.
9. “Therefore I still contend with you,declares the Lord,and with your children’s children I will contend.
10. For cross to the coasts of Cyprus and see,or send to Kedar and examine with care;see if there has been such a thing.
11. Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods?But my people have changed their gloryfor that which does not profit.
12. Be appalled, O heavens, at this;be shocked, be utterly desolate,declares the Lord,
13. for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me,the fountain of living waters,and hewed out cisterns for themselves,broken cisterns that can hold no water.
14. “Is Israel a slave? Is he a homeborn servant?Why then has he become a prey?
15. The lions have roared against him;they have roared loudly.They have made his land a waste;his cities are in ruins, without inhabitant.
16. Moreover, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.
17. Have you not brought this upon yourselfby forsaking the Lord your God,when he led you in the way?
18. And now what do you gain by going to Egyptto drink the waters of the Nile? Or what do you gain by going to Assyriato drink the waters of the Euphrates?