(SEE 40:3)

So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes.

That is why the rains were held back, and the spring showers did not come. You even look like a prostitute; you have no shame.

But the worship of Baal, the god of shame, has made us lose flocks and herds, sons and daughters---everything that our ancestors have worked for since ancient times.

We should lie down in shame and let our disgrace cover us. We and our ancestors have always sinned against the LORD our God; we have never obeyed his commands."

Were they ashamed because they did these disgusting things? No, they were not at all ashamed; they don't even know how to blush. And so they will fall as others have fallen; when I punish them, that will be the end of them. I, the LORD, have spoken."

My people, were you ashamed because you did these disgusting things? No, you were not ashamed at all; you don't even know how to blush! And so you will fall as others have fallen; when I punish you, that will be the end of you. I, the LORD, have spoken.

We turned away from you, but soon we wanted to return. After you had punished us, we hung our heads in grief. We were ashamed and disgraced because we sinned when we were young.'

I will forgive all the wrongs you have done, but you will remember them and be too ashamed to open your mouth." The Sovereign LORD has spoken.

You, Lord, always do what is right, but we have always brought disgrace on ourselves. This is true of all of us who live in Judea and in Jerusalem and of all the Israelites whom you scattered in countries near and far because they were unfaithful to you.

Our kings, our rulers, and our ancestors have acted shamefully and sinned against you, Lord.

What did you gain from doing the things that you are now ashamed of ? The result of those things is death!

whose people were wicked and sinned against the LORD.

I am drowning in the flood of my sins; they are a burden too heavy to bear.

The LORD says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.

" LORD, our crimes against you are many. Our sins accuse us. We are well aware of them all.

A man named Oded, a prophet of the LORD, lived in the city of Samaria. He met the returning Israelite army with its Judean prisoners as it was about to enter the city, and he said, "The LORD God of your ancestors was angry with Judah and let you defeat them, but now he has heard of the vicious way you slaughtered them.

'Father,' the son said, 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.'

For her sins are piled up as high as heaven, and God remembers her wicked ways.