22 Even though you scrub yourself with soap or strong powder,the stain of your sin is still before me,declares the Lord God.
23 How can you say,"I’m not dirty;I haven’t gone after Baals."Look what you have done in the valley;consider what you have done there.You are like a frenzied young camel,racing around,
24 a wild donkey in the wilderness,lustfully sniffing the wind.Who can restrain such passion?Those who desire her need not give up;with little effort they will find her in heat.
25 Don’t run about until your feet are blisteredand your throat is parched.But you say, "What’s the use?I have fallen in love with foreign gods,and I must pursue them."
26 As a thief is ashamed when caught in his tracks,so the people of Israel are ashamed—their kings, officials, priests, and prophets—
27 when they say to a piece of wood, "You are my father,"and to a stone, "You gave me birth."They have turned their backs to meand not their faces.Yet in their time of trouble they say,"Arise and save us!"
28 Where are the godsyou have made for yourselves?Let’s see if they will come through for you in your time of trouble.You have as many gods, Judah,as you have towns.