15. Enemies have roared like lions at Israel;they have growled at Israel.They have destroyed the land of Israel.The cities of Israel lie in ruins,and all the people have left.
16. The men from the cities of Memphis and Tahpanheshave disgraced you by shaving the top of your head.
17. Haven’t you brought this on yourselvesby turning away from the Lord your Godwhen he was leading you in the right way?
18. It did not help to go to Egyptand drink from the Shihor River.It did not help to go to Assyriaand drink from the Euphrates River.
19. Your evil will bring punishment to you,and the wrong you have done will teach you a lesson.Think about it and understandthat it is a terrible evil to turn away from the Lord your God.It is wrong not to fear me,”says the Lord God All-Powerful.
20. “Long ago you refused to obey me as an ox breaks its yoke.You broke the ropes I used to hold youand said, ‘I will not serve you!’In fact, on every high hilland under every green treeyou lay down as a prostitute.
21. But I planted you as a special vine,as a very good seed.How then did you turninto a wild vine that grows bad fruit?
22. Although you wash yourself with cleanserand use much soap,I can still see the stain of your guilt,” says the Lord God.