The powerless gods

26As a thief is ashamed when he is found out, so the house of Israel has been put to shame—the people together with their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets.

27They say to a tree, “You are my father,” and to a stone, “You gave birth to me.” For they have turned their backs to me instead of facing me; but when trouble comes they say to me, “Rise up and save us!”

28But where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them rise up, if they can save you in the time of your trouble. For your gods, Judah, are as many as your cities.

29Why do you bring a case against me? All of you have rebelled against me, declares Yahweh.

30In vain I struck your children; they accepted no correction. Your sword devoured your prophets like a ravaging lion.