Jeremiah
The infidelities of Israel
2
1 A word of Yahweh came to me, 
2 “Go and shout this in the hea ring of Jerusalem. This is Yah weh’s word: 4 Hear the word of Yahweh, people of Jacob,
4 all you families of the nation of Israel.
7 I brought you to a fertile land
7 to eat of the choicest fruit.
7 As soon as you came you defiled my land
7 and dishonored my heritage!
9 Therefore I contend with you –
9 it is Yahweh who speaks –
9 and I will contend with your children’s children!
10 Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and see,
10 or send to Kedar and observe with care
10 if there has ever been such a thing!
14 Did I make Israel a slave
14 or was he born in bondage?
14 How then did you become the spoil of others?
15 The lions have roared against you,
15 loudly indeed have they roared,
15 making your country a wasteland,
15 your cities a ruins without inhabitants.
16 Even the Egyptians of Memphis and Tahpanhes have humbled you!
17 Didn’t you bring this on yourself
17 by forsaking Yahweh, your God,
17 even as he led you in the way?
18 Now why call to Egypt?
18 Will the water of the Nile heal you?
18 And why go to Assyria?
18 What good will the water of the River do you?
22 Even if you wash with soda
22 and use soap in abundance,
22 the stain of your sin is always before me –
22 it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
24 Wild ass of the desert,
24 sniffing the wind in her desire,
24 who can restrain her lust?
24 Those who pursue her, need not tire themselves,
24 at mating time they will find her.
25 Run if you wish, until your feet are sore,
25 and your throat is dry!
25 But you say: ‘It’s no use,
25 I love foreign gods, it is them I follow.’
The crimes of Jerusalem
26 As a thief is shamed when caught,
26 so is the house of Israel,
26 they, their kings, their princes,
26 their priests and their prophets!
27 To a tree they say: ‘You are my father!’
27 and to a stone: ‘You gave me birth!’
27 For they have turned their back on me instead of their face!
27 In the day of misfortune
27 they will call me: ‘Rise and save us!’
29 Why argue with me? You have all betrayed me – it is Yahweh who speaks.
31 All you of this generation, hear what Yahweh says:
31 Have I been a desert for Israel,
31 a land of darkness?
31 Why do my people say:
31 ‘We will depart from you
31 and no more return to you’?
32 Does a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her sash?
32 But my people have forgotten me
32 for days without number!
33 How well you direct your steps in your search for lovers,
33 even to walking along with crime!
34 Look at your garments
34 stained with the blood of the innocent poor, although you did not catch them breaking in!
35 I know you say: ‘I am innocent. Why does his anger not turn away from me?’
35 I will accuse you: Yes, you have sinned!