New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
8 The priests did not say, "Where is the Lord?" Those who handle the law did not know me; the rulers transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after things that do not profit.
8
The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ Those who deal with the law did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal, following worthless idols.
9 Therefore once more I accuse you, says the Lord, and I accuse your children's children.
9
“Therefore I bring charges against you again,” declares the LORD. “And I will bring charges against your children’s children.
10 Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has ever been such a thing.
10
Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and observe closely; see if there has ever been anything like this:
11 Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.
11
Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols.
12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the Lord,
12
Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the LORD.
13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.
13
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
14 Is Israel a slave? Is he a homeborn servant? Why then has he become plunder?
14
Is Israel a servant, a slave by birth? Why then has he become plunder?
15 The lions have roared against him, they have roared loudly. They have made his land a waste; his cities are in ruins, without inhabitant.
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Lions have roared; they have growled at him. They have laid waste his land; his towns are burned and deserted.
16 Moreover, the people of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of your head.
16
Also, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have cracked your skull.
17 Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the Lord your God, while he led you in the way?
17
Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the LORD your God when he led you in the way?
18 What then do you gain by going to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Nile? Or what do you gain by going to Assyria, to drink the waters of the Euphrates?
18
Now why go to Egypt to drink water from the Nile ? And why go to Assyria to drink water from the Euphrates?
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.