So I will go to the leaders(A)
    and speak to them;
surely they know the way of the Lord,
    the requirements of their God.”
But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke
    and torn off the bonds.(B)
Therefore a lion from the forest(C) will attack them,
    a wolf from the desert will ravage(D) them,
a leopard(E) will lie in wait near their towns
    to tear to pieces any who venture out,
for their rebellion is great
    and their backslidings many.(F)

“Why should I forgive you?
    Your children have forsaken me
    and sworn(G) by gods that are not gods.(H)
I supplied all their needs,
    yet they committed adultery(I)
    and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.(J)
They are well-fed, lusty stallions,
    each neighing for another man’s wife.(K)
Should I not punish them for this?”(L)
    declares the Lord.
“Should I not avenge(M) myself
    on such a nation as this?

10 “Go through her vineyards and ravage them,
    but do not destroy them completely.(N)
Strip off her branches,
    for these people do not belong to the Lord.
11 The people of Israel and the people of Judah
    have been utterly unfaithful(O) to me,”
declares the Lord.

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