Study Desk

worship stone idols and sacred poles as if they had created you and had given you life. You have rejected me, but when you're in trouble, you cry to me for help.

The Lord said to Israel: You accuse me of not saving you, but I say you have rebelled.

I tried punishing you, but you refused to come back to me, and like fierce lions you killed my prophets.

A bride could not forget to wear her jewelry to her wedding, but you have forgotten me day after day.

When Assyria let you down, you ran to Egypt, but you'll find no help there,

The Lord said to the people of Israel: If a divorced woman marries, can her first husband ever marry her again? No, because this would pollute the land. But you have more gods than a prostitute has lovers. Why should I take you back?

So I, the Lord , refused to let the spring rains fall. But just like a prostitute, you still have no shame for what you have done.

you beg me to stop being angry, but you won't stop sinning.

I knew that the kingdom of Israel had been unfaithful and committed many sins, yet I still hoped she might come back to me. But she didn't, so I divorced her and sent her away. Her sister, the kingdom of Judah, saw what happened, but she wasn't worried in the least, and I watched her become unfaithful like her sister.

Jeremiah, shout toward the north: Israel, I am your Lord — come back to me! You were unfaithful and made me furious, but I am merciful, and so I will forgive you.

You are unfaithful children, but you belong to me. Come home! I'll take one or two of you from each town and clan and bring you to Zion.

But instead, you are like a wife who broke her wedding vows. You have been unfaithful to me. I, the Lord , have spoken.

On hilltops, we worshiped idols and made loud noises, but it was all for nothing— only you can save us.

With all your hearts, keep the agreement I made with you. But if you are stubborn and keep on sinning, my anger will burn like a fire that cannot be put out.

But Jerusalem, there is still time for you to be saved. Wash the evil from your hearts and stop making sinful plans,

"People of Judah, your hearts will be in pain, but it's your own fault that you will be punished."

Jerusalem, your land has been wiped out. But you act like a prostitute and try to win back your lovers, who now hate you. You can put on a red dress, gold jewelry, and eye shadow, but it's no use— your lovers are out to kill you!

I answered, "I know that you look for truth. You punished your people for their lies, but in spite of the pain, they became more stubborn and refused to turn back to you."

I'll go and talk to the leaders. They know what God demands." But even they had decided not to obey the Lord .

The Lord said: People of Judah, how can I forgive you? I gave you everything, but you abandoned me and worshiped idols. You men go to prostitutes and are unfaithful to your wives.