Study Desk

So I will give their wives to others, and their fields to new owners. Because from the least to the greatest, every one is always wanting much. From the man of God to the religious leader, no one can be trusted in what he does.

Were they ashamed because of the hated sin they had done? They were not ashamed at all. They did not even know how to turn red. So they will fall among those who fall. When I punish them, they will be put down," says the Lord.

Every one fools his neighbor, and does not tell the truth. They have taught their tongue to tell lies. They become tired doing so many sins.

So the Lord of All says, "See, I will make them pure and test them. For what else can I do with My people?

Who is the man wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of the Lord spoken, that he may make it known? Why is the land destroyed and laid waste like a desert, so that no one passes through?

So the Lord of All, the God of Israel, says, "See, I will feed these people with wormwood and put poison in their drinking water.

They make it beautiful with silver and gold. They put it together with nails so that it cannot fall apart.

For the shepherds are poor thinkers and have not asked for the Lord's help. So they have not done well, and all their flock is sent different places.

And so I will keep the promise I made to your fathers before you, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day."'" Then I answered and said, "Let it be so, O Lord."

Yet they did not obey or listen. Every one walked in his own strong-will because of his sinful heart. So I brought upon them all the words of this agreement, which I told them to do, but they did not.'"

So the Lord says, "See, I am bringing much trouble on them. They will not be able to get away from it. Even when they cry to Me, I will not listen to them.

"So do not pray for these people. Do not lift up a cry or prayer for them. For I will not listen when they call to Me because of their trouble.

So the Lord speaks about the men of Anathoth who want to kill you. These men say, "Do not speak in the name of the Lord, or you will die by our hand."

So the Lord of All says, "See, I am about to punish them! The young men will die by the sword. And their sons and daughters will die from hunger.

You are right and good, O Lord, when I complain to You about my trouble. Yet I would like to talk with You about what is fair. Why does the way of the sinful go well? Why do all those who cannot be trusted have it so easy?

My chosen nation has become to Me like a lion among the trees. She has raised her voice against Me, so I hate her.

So I bought the belt as the Lord had said and put it around me.

So I went and hid it by the Euphrates, as the Lord had told me.

These sinful people would not listen to My words. They walk in the strong-will of their own hearts and have gone to serve and worship other gods. So let them be just like this linen belt, which is good for nothing.

For as the belt holds on to a man's body, so I made the whole family of Israel and the whole family of Judah hold on to Me,' says the Lord. ‘This was so that they might be for Me a people, a name, a praise, and an honor. But they would not listen.'