The Consequence of Israel’s Sin

14 Is Israel a slave? Was he born into slavery Why then has he become prey?

15 The young lions have roared at him; they have sounded their voices. They have laid waste his land; his cities lie in ruins, without inhabitant.

16 The men of Memphis[fn] and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.

17 Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way?

18 Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile[fn]? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates[fn]?

19 Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.

20 “For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.

21 I had planted you like a choice vine from the very best seed. How could you turn yourself before Me into a rotten, wild vine?

22 Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.