3. I answered, “I knowthat you look for truth.You punished your peoplefor their lies,but in spite of the pain,they became more stubbornand refused to turn backto you.”
4. Then I thought to myself,“These common peopleact like fools,and they have never learntwhat the Lord their Goddemands of them.
5. I'll go and talk to the leaders.They know what God demands.”But even they had decidednot to obey the Lord.
6. The people have rebelledand rejected the Lordtoo many times.So enemies will attacklike lions from the forestor wolves from the desert.Those enemies will watchthe towns of Judah,and like leopardsthey will tear to pieceswhoever goes outside.
7. People of Judah,how can I forgive you?I gave you everything,but you abandoned meand worshipped idols.You men go to prostitutesand are unfaithfulto your wives.
8. You are no better than animals,and you always want sexwith someone else's wife.
9. Why shouldn't I punishthe people of Judah?
26-27. A hunter traps birdsand puts them in a cage,but some of you trap humansand make them your slaves.You are evil, and you lie and cheatto make yourselves rich.You are powerful
28. and prosperous,but you refuse to help the poorget the justice they deserve.
29. You need to be punished,and so I will take revenge.
30. Look at the terrible thingsgoing on in this country.I am shocked!
31. Prophets give their messagesin the name of a false god,my priests don't wantto serve me,and you—my own people—like it this way!But on the day of disaster,where will you turn for help?