24. a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that sniffs the wind in her craving. When she is in heat, who can turn her away? All those who seek her will not weary themselves. In her month, they will find her.
25. “Keep your feet from being bare, and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘It is in vain. No, for I have loved strangers, and I will go after them.’
26. As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets;
27. who tell wood, ‘You are my father;’ and a stone, ‘You have given 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 yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble: for you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah.
29. “Why will you contend with me? You all have transgressed against me,” says Yahweh.
30. “I have struck your children in vain. They received no correction. Your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
31. Generation, consider Yahweh’s word. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? Or a land of thick darkness? Why do my people say, ‘We have broken loose. We will come to you no more?’
32. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me for days without number.
33. How well you prepare your way to seek love! Therefore you have even taught the wicked women your ways.
34. Also the blood of the souls of the innocent poor is found in your skirts. You did not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things.
35. “Yet you said, ‘I am innocent. Surely his anger has turned away from me.’ “Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
36. Why do you go about so much to change your ways? You will be ashamed of Egypt also, as you were ashamed of Assyria.
37. You will also leave that place with your hands on your head; for Yahweh has rejected those in whom you trust, and you won’t prosper with them.