18. And now what are you doing in the way of Egypt,to drink the waters of the Nile?Or what are you doing in the way of Assyria,to drink the waters of the River?
19. Your own wickedness will correct you,and your backslidings will reprove you.Know therefore and seethat it is an evil thing and bitter for youto have forsaken the Lord your God,and the fear of Me is not in you,says the Lord God of Hosts.
20. For long ago I have broken your yokeand burst your bonds;and you said, “I will not serve.”For upon every high hilland under every green treeyou wander, playing the harlot.
21. Yet I had planted you a noble vine,a wholly faithful seed.How then have you turnedinto the degenerate plant of a strange vine to Me?
22. For though you wash yourself with lye,and take much soap,yet your iniquity is marked before Me,says the Lord God.
23. How can you say, “I am not polluted,I have not gone after the Baals”?See your way in the valley.Know what you have done.You are a swift young camelentangling her ways,
24. a wild donkey used to the wildernessthat sniffs the wind in her passion.In the time of her heat, who can turn her away?All those who seek her will not weary themselves;in her month they shall find her.
25. Withhold your foot from being unshodand your throat from thirst.But you said, “There is no hope. No!For I have loved strangers,and after them I will go.”
26. As the thief is ashamed when he is found,so is the house of Israel ashamed.They, their kings, their officials,and their priests, and their prophets
27. say to a tree, “You are my father.”And to a stone, “You gave birth to me.”For they have turned their back to Me,and not their face.But in the time of their trouble they will say,“Arise and save us.”
28. But where are your gods that you have made for yourself?Let them arise, if they can save youin the time of your trouble;for according to the number of your citiesare your gods, O Judah.
29. Why will you plead with Me?You all have transgressed against Me,says the Lord.