1. The Lord spoke his word to me, saying:
2. “Go and speak to the people of Jerusalem, saying: This is what the Lord says:‘I remember how faithful you were to me when you were a young nation.You loved me like a young bride.You followed me through the desert,a land that had never been planted.
3. The people of Israel were holy to the Lord,like the first fruits from his harvest.Those who tried to hurt Israel were judged guilty.Disasters struck them,’ ” says the Lord.
4. Hear the word of the Lord, family of Jacob,all you family groups of Israel.
5. This is what the Lord says:“I was fair to your ancestors,so why did they turn away from me?Your ancestors worshiped useless idolsand became useless themselves.