16 Soldiers from the Egyptian townsof Memphis and Tahpanheshave cracked your skulls.
17 It's all your own fault!You stopped following me,the Lord your God,
18 and you trusted the powerof Egypt and Assyria.
19 Your own sins will punish you,because it was a bitter mistakefor you to reject mewithout fear of punishment.I, the Lord All-Powerful,have spoken.
20 Long ago you left meand broke all ties between us,refusing to be my servant.Now you worship other godsby having sexon hilltops or in the shadeof large trees.
21 You were a choice grapevine,but you have becomea wild, useless vine.
22 The Lord said:People of Israel,you are stained with guilt,and no soap or bleachcan wash it away.