Jeremiah 2:20–25

²⁰“Long ago you broke off the yoke I put on you.

You tore off the ropes I tied you up with.

You said, ‘I won’t serve you!’

In fact, on every high hill

you lay down like a prostitute.

You worshiped other gods under every green tree.

²¹You were like a good vine when I planted you.

You were a healthy plant.

Then how did you turn against me?

How did you become a bad, wild vine?

²²You might wash yourself with baking soda.

You might use plenty of soap.

But I can still see the stains your guilt covers you with,”

announces the Lord and King.

²³“You say, ‘I am “clean.”

I haven’t followed the gods that are named after Baal.’

How can you say that?

Remember how you acted in the valley.

Consider what you have done.

You are like a female camel running quickly here and there.

²⁴You are like a wild donkey that lives in the desert.

She smells the wind when she longs for a mate.

Who can hold her back?

The males that run after her do not need to wear themselves out.

At mating time they will easily find her.

²⁵Do not run after other gods

until your sandals are worn out and your throat is dry.

But you said, ‘It’s no use!

I love those gods.

I must go after them.’