God on the Margins

⁴ Listen to the LORD’s word, people of Judah, all you families of the Israelite household. ⁵ This is what the LORD says: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that made them wander so far? They pursued what was worthless and became worthless. ⁶ They didn’t ask, “Where’s the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, in a land of deserts and ravines, in a land of drought and darkness, in a land of no return, where no one survives?” ⁷ I brought you into a land of plenty, to enjoy its gifts and goodness, but you ruined my land; you disgraced my heritage. ⁸ The priests didn’t ask, “Where’s the LORD?” Those responsible for the Instruction didn’t know me; the leaders rebelled against me; the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, going after what has no value. ⁹ That is why I will take you to court and charge even your descendants, declares the LORD. ¹⁰ Look to the west as far as the shores of Cyprus and to the east as far as the land of Kedar. Ask anyone there: Has anything this odd ever taken place? ¹¹ Has a nation switched gods, though they aren’t really gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glory for what has no value. ¹² Be stunned at such a thing, you heavens; shudder and quake, declares the LORD. ¹³ My people have committed two crimes: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water. And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water.