3
The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of the Persians.
4
And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
5
Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their children their wickedness which they have done against me; that they may tell their children's children:
6
Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.
7
Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels.
8
Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them, for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people.
9
How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good?
10
Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his servants and all his power have I smitten down.
11
All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and Sidon, and have slain all their enemies.
12
Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,
13
I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and safe passage; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest.