1 The LORD’s word came to me, saying,
2 “Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘The LORD says,
3 Israel was holiness to the LORD,
4 Hear the LORD’s word, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel!
5 The LORD says,
6 They didn’t say, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us up out of the land of Egypt,
7 I brought you into a plentiful land
8 The priests didn’t say, ‘Where is the LORD?’
9 “Therefore I will yet contend with you,” says the LORD,
10 For pass over to the islands of Kittim, and see.
11 Has a nation changed its gods,
12 “Be astonished, you heavens, at this
13 “For my people have committed two evils:
14 Is Israel a slave?
15 The young lions have roared at him and raised their voices.
16 The children also of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of your head.
17 “Haven’t you brought this on yourself,
18 Now what do you gain by going to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor?
19 “Your own wickedness will correct you,
20 “For long ago I broke off your yoke,
21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine,
22 For though you wash yourself with lye,
23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled.
24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that sniffs the wind in her craving.
25 “Keep your feet from being bare,
26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found,
27 who tell wood, ‘You are my father,’
28 “But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves?
29 “Why will you contend with me?
30 “I have struck your children in vain.
31 Generation, consider the LORD’s word.
32 “Can a virgin forget her ornaments,
33 How well you prepare your way to seek love!
34 Also the blood of the souls of the innocent poor is found in your skirts.
35 “Yet you said, ‘I am innocent.
36 Why do you go about so much to change your ways?
37 You will also leave that place with your hands on your head;