1. Roam the streets of Jerusalem,look about and observe,Search through her squares,to find even oneWho acts justlyand seeks honesty,and I will pardon her!
2. They say, “As the Lord lives,”but in fact they swear falsely.
3. Lord, do your eyes not search for honesty?You struck them, but they did not flinch;you laid them low, but they refused correction;They set their faces harder than stone,and refused to return.
4. I thought: These are only the lowly,they behave foolishly;For they do not know the way of the Lord,the justice of their God.
5. Let me go to the leadersand speak with them;For they must know the way of the Lord,the justice of their God.But, one and all, they have broken the yoke,torn off the harness.
6. Therefore, lions from the forest slay them,wolves of the desert ravage them,Leopards keep watch round their cities:all who come out are torn to pieces,For their crimes are many,their rebellions numerous.
7. Why should I pardon you?Your children have forsaken me,they swear by gods that are no gods.I fed them, but they commit adultery;to the prostitute’s house they throng.
8. They are lustful stallions,each neighs after the other’s wife.
9. Should I not punish them for this?—oracle of the Lord;on a nation like this should I not take vengeance?
10. Climb her terraces, and ravage them,destroy them completely.Tear away her tendrils,they do not belong to the Lord.
11. For they have openly rebelled against me,both the house of Israel and the house of Judah—oracle of the Lord.
12. They denied the Lord,saying, “He is nothing,No evil shall come to us,neither sword nor famine shall we see.