Jeremiah 3:1-5

New International Reader's Version

3 “Suppose a man divorces his wife.
    What if she then marries another man?
Should her first husband return to her again?
    If he does, won’t the land become completely ‘unclean’?
People of Israel, you have lived like a prostitute.
    You have loved many other gods.
    So do you think you can return to me now?”
    announces the Lord.
² “Look up at the bare hilltops.
    Is there any place where you have not worshiped other gods?
    You have been unfaithful to me like a wife committing adultery.
By the side of the road you sat waiting for lovers.
    You sat there like someone who wanders in the desert.
You have made the land impure.
    You are like a sinful prostitute.
³ So I have held back the showers.
    I have kept the spring rains from falling.
But you still have the bold face of a prostitute.
    You refuse to blush with shame.
⁴ You have just now called out to me.
    You said,
‘My Father, you have been my friend
    ever since I was young.
⁵ Will you always be angry with me?
    Will your anger continue forever?’
This is how you talk.
    But you do all the evil things you can.”