21 “But that generation also defied me. They broke my laws and did not keep my commands, which bring life to anyone who obeys them. They profaned the Sabbath. I was ready to let them feel the force of my anger there in the desert and kill them all.
22 But I did not, since that would have brought dishonour to my name among the nations which had seen me bring Israel out of Egypt.
23 So I made another promise in the desert. I vowed that I would scatter them all over the world.
24 I did this because they had rejected my commands, broken my laws, profaned the Sabbath, and worshipped the same idols their ancestors had served.
25 “Then I gave them laws that are not good and commands that do not bring life.
26 I let them defile themselves with their own offerings, and I let them sacrifice their firstborn sons. This was to punish them and show them that I am the Lord.
27 “Now then, mortal man, tell the Israelites what I, the Sovereign Lord, am saying to them. This is another way their ancestors insulted me by their unfaithfulness.