²⁷ “Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: In this way also your ancestors blasphemed me by^(A) committing treachery against me: ²⁸ When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree,^(B) they offered their sacrifices and presented their offensive offerings there. They also sent up their pleasing aromas and poured out their drink offerings there.

Ephraim Bereaved of Offspring

¹⁴ For the Lord of Armies says this: “As I resolved to treat you badly when your ancestors provoked me to anger, and I did not relent,” says the Lord of Armies,

Robbing God

⁷ “Since the days of your ancestors, you have turned from my statutes; you have not kept them.^(A) Return to me,^(B) and I will return to you,”^(C) says the Lord of Armies.

Yet you ask, “How can we return?”