1Thus says the Lord Almighty: When you were in the wilderness, by the bitter river, thirsty and blaspheming against my name.
2I did not give you fire for your blasphemy, but I threw wood into the water and made the river sweet.
3What shall I do with you, O Jacob? You would not obey, O Judah.
4I will turn to other nations and give them my name, that they may keep my statutes.
5Because you have forsaken me, I will also forsake you.
6When you ask for mercy, I will not have pity.
7When you call upon me, I will not hear you.
8You have stained your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit murder.
9It is not as if you have forsaken me, but yourselves, says the Lord.
10Thus says the Lord Almighty: Have I not pleaded with you as a father pleads with his children?
11Or as a mother to her daughters, or a nurse to her children?
12That you might be my people and I might be your God?
13And that you might be my children and I your Father?
14I gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.
15But now, what shall I do with you? I will cast you from my presence.