18. You won’t gain anything by going to Egyptto drink water from the Nile River.You won’t gain anything by going to Assyriato drink water from the Euphrates River.
19. Your own wickedness will correct you,and your unfaithful ways will punish you.You should know and see how evil and bitter it is for youif you abandon the Lord your God and do not fear me,”declares the Almighty Lord of Armies.
20. “Long ago you broke off your yoke, tore off your chains,and said that you wouldn’t be a slave.You lay down and acted like a prostituteon every high hill and under every large tree.
21. I planted you like a choice grapevine from the very best seed.Now you have turned against me and have become a wild vine.
22. Even if you wash with detergent and use a lot of soap,I would still see the stains from your wickedness,”declares the Almighty Lord.
23. “How can you say that you haven’t dishonored yourselvesand haven’t followed other gods—the Baals?Look how you’ve behaved in the valley.Acknowledge what you’ve done.You are like a young camel that swiftly runs here and there.
24. You are like a wild donkey that is used to the desert,sniffing the wind while in heat.All who look for you won’t get tired.They will find you during your monthly period.
25. Don’t run until your feet are bare and your throats are dry.But you say that it’s useless.You love foreign gods and follow them.
26. “As a thief feels ashamed when he’s caught,so the nation of Israel will feel ashamed.Their kings, princes, priests,and prophets will also feel ashamed.