26 It’s like the shame felt by a thief who gets caught.

So too, you Israelis will be shamed:

the people, their kings and officials, and their priests and prophets

27 who say to the tree, ‘You’re my father,’

and to the standing stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’

Yes, they show their backs to me, not their faces,

but when calamity comes, they’ll say, ‘Do something and rescue us!’

28 So where then are the gods that you made for yourself?

Let them take action if they can save you at the time of your calamity,

because you have as many gods and you have cities in Yehudah (Judah).

29 Why do you all complain to me, when all of you have rebelled against me?

That is Yahweh’s declaration.

30 It was a waste of time when I beat your sons—they wouldn’t accept discipline.

You’ve all killed your prophets like a destructive lion.

31 You in this generation, pay attention to Yahweh’s message.

Have I been a wilderness to Yisrael, or a land of thick darkness?

Why would my people say that they’ve now gone their own ways

and so won’t come back to me again?

32 Would a young woman forget to wear her jewelry,

≈ or a bride forget to wear her wedding sashes?

However my people have forgotten me for such a long time.

33 You’ve become very good at finding love—

you could even teach prostitutes a thing or two!

34 The blood of innocent, poor people was even found on your clothes—

it wasn’t because you caught them breaking in, but you did it anyway

35 then you said, ‘But I’m innocent—surely he’s not angry at me.’

Listen, I’m about to judge you because you said that you didn’t sin.

36 Why are you constantly changing your alliances?

You’ll be disappointed by Egypt (Heb. Mitsrayim) just like you were disappointed by Assyria (Heb. Ashshur).

37 What’s more, you’ll be removed from this place will your hands on your head,

because Yahweh has rejected the ones that you put your confidence in

→ and they won’t be of any help to you.