2 “Go and speak to the people of Jerusalem, saying: This is what the Lord says:‘I remember how faithful you were to me when you were a young nation.You loved me like a young bride.You followed me through the desert,a land that had never been planted.
3 The people of Israel were holy to the Lord,like the first fruits from his harvest.Those who tried to hurt Israel were judged guilty.Disasters struck them,’ ” says the Lord.
4 Hear the word of the Lord, family of Jacob,all you family groups of Israel.
5 This is what the Lord says:“I was fair to your ancestors,so why did they turn away from me?Your ancestors worshiped useless idolsand became useless themselves.
6 Your ancestors didn’t say,‘Where is the Lord who brought us out of Egypt?He led us through the desert,through a dry and rocky land,through a dark and dangerous land.He led us where no one travels or lives.’
7 I brought you into a fertile landso you could eat its fruit and produce.But you came and made my land unclean;you made it a hateful place.
8 The priests didn’t ask,‘Where is the Lord?’The people who know the teachings didn’t know me.The leaders turned against me.The prophets prophesied in the name of Baaland worshiped useless idols.