3 You belonged to me alone,like the first part of the harvest,and I severely punishedthose who mistreated 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.
7 I brought you here to my land,where food is abundant,but you made my land filthywith your sins.
8 The priests who teach my lawsdon't care to know me.Your leaders rebel against me;your prophetsgive messages from Baaland worship false gods.
9 I will take you to courtand accuse youand your descendants*