23 “How can you say to me, ‘I am not guilty.I have not worshiped the Baal idols’?Look at the things you did in the valley.Think about what you have done.You are like a she-camel in mating seasonthat runs from place to place.
24 You are like a wild donkey that lives in the desertand sniffs the wind at mating time.At that time who can hold her back?Any male who chases her will easily catch her;at mating time, it is easy to find her.
25 Don’t run until your feet are bareor until your throat is dry.But you say, ‘It’s no use!I love those other gods,and I must chase them!’
26 “A thief is ashamed when someone catches him stealing.In the same way, the family of Israel is ashamed—they, their kings, their officers,their priests, and their prophets.
27 They say to things of wood, ‘You are my father,’and to idols of stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’Those people won’t look at me;they have turned their backs to me.But when they get into trouble, they say,‘Come and save us!’
28 Where are the idols you made for yourselves?Let them come and save youwhen you are in trouble!People of Judah, you have as many idolsas you have towns!
29 “Why do you complain to me?All of you have turned against me,” says the Lord.