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I will go to the prominent men,
and I will speak to them;
for they know the way of Adonai
and the rulings of their God.”
But these had completely broken the yoke
and torn the harness off.
This is why a forest lion kills them,
why a desert wolf can plunder them,
why a leopard guards their cities —
all who leave are torn to pieces —
because their crimes are many,
their backslidings keep increasing.

“Why should I forgive you?
Your people have abandoned me
and sworn by non-gods.
When I fed them to the full,
they committed adultery,
thronging to the brothels.

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So I will go to the leaders(A)
    and speak to them;
surely they know the way of the Lord,
    the requirements of their God.”
But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke
    and torn off the bonds.(B)
Therefore a lion from the forest(C) will attack them,
    a wolf from the desert will ravage(D) them,
a leopard(E) will lie in wait near their towns
    to tear to pieces any who venture out,
for their rebellion is great
    and their backslidings many.(F)

“Why should I forgive you?
    Your children have forsaken me
    and sworn(G) by gods that are not gods.(H)
I supplied all their needs,
    yet they committed adultery(I)
    and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.(J)

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