4Hear the word of the LORD, descendants of Jacob, and all the tribes of the house of Israel. 5Thus says the LORD, “What fault have your fathers found in Me, that they have strayed so far from Me, and following worthless idols?” 6Nor did they ask, “Where is the LORD Who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, Who led us through the wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits, a land of drought, and the shadow of death, through a land where no man passes through, or lives in?” 7And I brought you into a fertile land, to eat its fruit and its bounty; but when you came in, you defiled My land, and made My heritage an abomination. 8The priests did not ask, “Where is the LORD?” And those who handle the law did not know Me. The leaders rebelled against Me; and the prophets prophesied in the name of Baal, and followed worthless idols. 9“Therefore, I will bring My charges against you”, says the LORD, “and against your children's children.”

10Cross over the coasts of Kittim (Cyprus), and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there has ever been such a thing. 11Has any nation changed (traded) their gods for others, that are not gods at all? But My people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. 12”Be shocked at this, O you heavens, and be utterly appalled and dismayed”, says the LORD. 13”For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and have dug out their own cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”

14Is Israel a servant? Is he a slave by birth? Why then is he exploited and plundered? 15The young lions have roared and growled at him, and they laid his land waste; his cities are burned and deserted. 16Also the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken your skull. 17Have you not brought this upon yourself, in that you have forsaken the LORD, your God, when He led you by the way? 18And now what have you gained by your reliance on Egypt, to drink the waters of Shihor (Nile)? Or what have you gained by your reliance on Assyria, to drink the waters of the Euphrates River?

19“Your own wickedness shall punish you, and your backslidings shall reprove you. Consider, then, and realize that it is an evil and bitter thing, that you have forsaken the LORD, your God, and that you have no regard or reverence for Me,” says the LORD God of hosts. 20For long ago I broke your yoke and your chains; and you said, “I will not transgress”; but then, on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down to your worthless idols. 21I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed. How, or why, then, did you turn into the degenerate plant that is a strange vine to Me? 22For though you wash yourself with lye, and much soap, yet the stain of your guilt is still before Me, says the LORD God. 23How can you say, “I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim?” See how you acted in the valley, and acknowledge what you have done; you are a swift camel running where you please, 24A wild donkey used to the wilderness, sniffing the wind at her pleasure; in her lust for running free, who can restrain her? All they who seek her will not weary themselves; in her mating season they shall find her. 25Withhold When will you stop running – not until your feet no longer have shoes, and your throat has become dry? And still you said, “Save Your breath. For I love these strange gods, and I will go after them”. 26As the thief is disgraced when he is caught, so is the house of Israel disgraced - they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets, 27They saying to a chunk of wood from a tree, “You are my father”; and to a stone, “You have given me life”; for they have turned their back to Me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, “Come, and save us.” 28But where then are your gods that you have made for yourself? Let them come, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; for as many cities as you have, there are that many of your gods, O Judah. 29Why will you accuse Me? “It is you who have wronged Me,” says the LORD. 30In vain I have punished your people; they do not respond to correction. Your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a marauding lion. 31You of this generation, consider the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? A land of darkness? Why do My people say, “We are free to roam as we please; we will no longer come unto You?” 32Does a young maiden forget her jewelry, or a bride her bridal gown? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number. 33How you plot and scheme in pursuit of love! Even an experienced prostitute could learn from you! 34Also your clothes are stained with the blood of poor innocents; I have not found it hidden in a hole in a wall, but under every tree. 35Yet you say, “Because I am innocent, surely His anger shall turn from me”. But I will pass judgement upon you, because you say, “I have not sinned.” 36Why do you gad about so much, seeking help? You shall be disappointed by Egypt, as you were disappointed by Assyria. 37Yea, you shall leave this place with your hands upon your head; for the LORD has rejected those in whom you have placed your trust, and you shall not prosper by them.