1 The Lord told me
2 to go to Jerusalem and tell everyone that he had said:When you were my young bride,you loved me and followed methrough the barren desert.
3 You belonged to me alone,like the first part of the harvest,and I severely punishedthose who ill-treated you.
4 Listen, people of Israel,
5 and I, the Lord, will speak.I was never unfairto your ancestors,but they left meand became worthlessby following worthless idols.
6 Your ancestors refusedto ask for my help,though I had rescued themfrom Egyptand led them througha treacherous, barren desert,where no one livesor dares to travel.