13 But the people have not returned(A) to him who struck(B) them,
    nor have they sought(C) the Lord Almighty.
14 So the Lord will cut off from Israel both head and tail,
    both palm branch and reed(D) in a single day;(E)
15 the elders(F) and dignitaries(G) are the head,
    the prophets(H) who teach lies(I) are the tail.
16 Those who guide(J) this people mislead them,
    and those who are guided are led astray.(K)
17 Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men,(L)
    nor will he pity(M) the fatherless and widows,
for everyone is ungodly(N) and wicked,(O)
    every mouth speaks folly.(P)

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
    his hand is still upraised.(Q)

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13 But the people didn’t turn to the one who struck them.
    They didn’t seek the Lord of heavenly forces.
14 So the Lord cut off head and tail,
    palm branch and reed from Israel in one day.
15     (Elders and celebrities are the head;
    prophets who teach lies are the tail.)
16 But this people’s leaders were misleading,
    and those being led were confused.
17 So the Lord showed their youth no pity,
    and showed their orphans and widows no mercy;
    for everyone was godless and evil;
        every mouth spoke nonsense.
Even then God’s anger didn’t turn away;
    God’s hand was still extended.

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