3 Lord, do your eyes not search for honesty?You struck them, but they did not flinch;you laid them low, but they refused correction;They set their faces harder than stone,and refused to return.
4 I thought: These are only the lowly,they behave foolishly;For they do not know the way of the Lord,the justice of their God.
5 Let me go to the leadersand speak with them;For they must know the way of the Lord,the justice of their God.But, one and all, they have broken the yoke,torn off the harness.
6 Therefore, lions from the forest slay them,wolves of the desert ravage them,Leopards keep watch round their cities:all who come out are torn to pieces,For their crimes are many,their rebellions numerous.
7 Why should I pardon you?Your children have forsaken me,they swear by gods that are no gods.I fed them, but they commit adultery;to the prostitute’s house they throng.
8 They are lustful stallions,each neighs after the other’s wife.
9 Should I not punish them for this?—oracle of the Lord;on a nation like this should I not take vengeance?