Paraphrase

Jerusalem is the city of oppressors.  Her wickedness is broad.  She obeys no one; she accepts no correction; she does not trust the Lord; she does not draw near to God.  Her officials devour all the wealth and her prophets are arrogant liars who use their office for personal gain.  Even with God in their midst their wickedness does not slow down.  Therefore, God judged the surrounding nations as a warning to Jerusalem, but she would not fear God or head His correction.  God extended His entreaties of mercy but they were still eager to act corruptly in all their actions.  Finally God will stand and solemnly testify against Jerusalem and all her neighboring countries.  God’s judgment is broader and deeper than Jerusalem’s wickedness.

What do I Learn about God?

God is reluctant to punish Jerusalem.  He pleads with them and He holds out promises of blessing if they will but turn from their whoring behavior and seek God.  But they won’t so God will SURELY act.

What do I Learn about Me?

How many “outs” (I Corinthians 10:13) has God provided me that I have turned down?  How many escapes have I ignored?  How many times have I closed my eyes to God so that I could choose my own way?  I sow wickedness and will reap the whirlwind were it not for my Lord Jesus.

How can I Live according to this Passage?

The church is so quick to think they are the righteous oasis in an unrighteous desert but she must always remember the heights from which Jerusalem had fallen.  When we take our eyes off of Christ we will likewise plunge into unrepentant, stubborn, and persistent wickedness.  IN OUR HEARTS we must draw near to God, fear Him and accept His correction