Howbeit, they did not hearken, but did after their former manner. ] They did not repent of their idolatries, but persisted in them, and even when they were in captivity in Assyria, or such of them as were left in the land.
38
And the covenant he made with you, don't forget your part in that. And don't worship other gods!
39
Worship God, and God only - he's the one who will save your from enemy oppression."
40
But they didn't pay any attention. They kept doing what they'd always done.
41
As it turned out, all the time these people were putting on a front of worshiping God, they were at the same time involved with their local idols. And they're still doing it. Like father, like son.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.