Jeremiah 2:2-8

“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. 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. Hear the word of the LORD, family of Jacob, all you family groups of Israel. This is what the LORD says: “I was fair to your ancestors, so why did they turn away from me? Your ancestors worshiped useless idols and became useless themselves. Your ancestors didn’t say, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us out of Egypt? He led us through the desert, through a dry and rocky land, through a dark and dangerous land. He led us where no one travels or lives.’ I brought you into a fertile land so you could eat its fruit and produce. But you came and made my land unclean; you made it a hateful place. The priests didn’t ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The people who know the teachings didn’t know me. The leaders turned against me. The prophets prophesied in the name of Baal and worshiped useless idols.