¹¹ When its twigs are dry, they are broken off^(A)
    and women come and make fires^(B) with them.
For this is a people without understanding;^(C)
    so their Maker has no compassion on them,
    and their Creator^(D) shows them no favor.^(E)

⁸ The priests did not ask,
    ‘Where is the Lord?’
Those who deal with the law did not know me;^(A)
    the leaders^(B) rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by Baal,^(C)
    following worthless idols.^(D)

⁷ Even the stork in the sky
    knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and the thrush
    observe the time of their migration.
But my people do not know^(A)
    the requirements of the Lord.

⁴ “Their deeds do not permit them
    to return^(A) to their God.
A spirit of prostitution^(B) is in their heart;
    they do not acknowledge^(C) the Lord.

⁶ For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,^(A)
    and acknowledgment^(B) of God rather than burnt offerings.^(C)