Jeremiah 2:8-26

8The kohanim did not ask, ‘Where is Adonai?’ The Torah experts did not know Me. The shepherds rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and went after unprofitable things.

9Therefore I will plead with you again!” It is a declaration of Adonai. “I will contend with your children’s children.

10Cross to the coasts of Kittim and see! Send to Kedar, and observe carefully. See if there has been anything like this.

11Has a nation changed its gods— even though they are not gods? Yet My people have exchanged their glory for worthless things.

12Be appalled at this, O heavens! Be utterly horrified and dumbfounded.” It is a declaration of Adonai.

13“My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me —the spring of living water— and they dug their own cisterns— cracked cisterns that hold no water.

14Is Israel a servant—a slave by birth? Then why has he become plunder?

15Young lions have roared at him they have roared loudly. They made his land a waste— his cities are in ruins and uninhabited.

16Even the sons of Noph and Tahpanhes have grazed on the crown of your head.

17Have you not brought this on yourself, when He led you in the way?

18But now, what is on the road to Egypt? Drinking the waters of the Nile? Or what is on the road to Assyria? Drinking the waters of the Euphrates?

19Your own wickedness will rebuke you and your backslidings will chide you. Know then and see how bad and bitter it is for you to forsake Adonai your God. Nor is fear of Me in you.” It is a declaration of the Lord Adonai-Tzva’ot.

20“Indeed, long ago I broke your yoke and tore off your bonds. You said, ‘I will not serve!’ Instead, on every high hill and under every green tree you sprawled out as a prostitute.

21Yet I had planted you as a choice vine from completely faithful seed. How then did you become to Me a wandering wild vine?

22Even though you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your iniquity is before Me.” It is a declaration of the Lord Adonai.

23“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled— I have not gone after the Baalim? Look at your behavior in the Valley! Recognize what you have done. You are a swift young camel galloping aimlessly,

24a wild donkey used to the wilderness— sniffing the wind in her passion— in her heat, who can restrain her? All males that pursue her will not tire themselves. At mating time they will find her.

25Do not run while your feet are bare and your throat is thirsty. But you said ‘There is no hope! No! For I have loved foreign gods and I will go after them.’

26As a thief is shamed when caught, so the house of Israel is shamed— they, their kings, their princes, their kohanim and their prophets.