O generation [that you are], consider and regard carefully the word of the Lord.

Have I been a wilderness to Israel [like a land without food],

A land of thick and deep darkness [like a path without light]?

Why do My people say, ‘We [have broken loose and we] are free to roam [at will];

We will no longer come to You’?

32

“Can a virgin forget [to wear] her ornaments,

Or a bride her attire [that identifies her as a married woman]?

Yet My people have forgotten Me

Days without number.

33

“How well you prepare your path

To seek and obtain [adulterous] love!

Even the most wicked of women

Have learned [indecent] ways from you.

34

“Also on your skirts is found

The lifeblood of the innocent poor;

You did not find them breaking in [a house].

But in spite of all these things [your disobedience, your love of idolatry, your lack of compassion]—

35

Yet you keep saying, ‘I am innocent;

Surely His anger has turned away from me.’

Behold (listen very carefully), I will bring you to judgment and will plead my case against you

Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

36

“Why do you go around and wander so much

Changing your way?

Also, you will be shamed by Egypt

As you were shamed by Assyria.

37

“From Egypt also you will come away [as captives]

With your hands on your head;

For the Lord has rejected those in whom you trust (confide),

And you will not be successful with them.”—Jeremiah 2:31-37. “Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.”—Jeremiah 3:14