Jeremiah 2:23-37 ▼

23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not walked after the Baals’? Look at your way in the valley! Know what you have done! You are a swift young camel entangling her ways,

24 A wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, That sniffs the wind in her passion. In the time of her heat who can turn her away? All who seek her will not become weary; In her month they will find her.

25 Keep your feet from being barefoot And your throat from thirst; But you said, ‘It is hopeless! No! For I have loved strangers, And after them I will walk.’

26 “As the thief is shamed when he is found, So the house of Israel is shamed; They, their kings, their princes, And their priests and their prophets,

27 Who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ And to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their back to Me And not their face; But in the time when their evil comes they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’

28 But where are your gods Which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you In the time when your evil comes; For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah.

29 “Why do you contend with Me? You have all transgressed against Me,” declares Yahweh.

30 “In vain I have struck your sons; They received no discipline. Your sword has devoured your prophets Like a destroying lion.

31 O generation, behold the word of Yahweh. Have I been a wilderness to Israel Or a land of thick darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam; We will no longer come to You’?

32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me Days without number.

33 How well you prepare your way To seek love! Therefore even the wicked women You have taught your ways.

34 Also on your skirts is found The lifeblood of the innocent needy; You did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things,

35 Yet you said, ‘I am innocent; Surely His anger is turned away from me.’ Behold, I will enter into judgment with you Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

36 Why do you despise Him so much In changing your way? Also, you will be put to shame by Egypt As you were put to shame by Assyria.

37 From this place also you will go out With your hands on your head; For Yahweh has rejected those in whom you trust, And you will not succeed with them.”