18 They abandoned the house of Jehovah the God of their forefathers and began serving the sacred poles* and the idols, so that God’s anger came* against Judah and Jerusalem because of their guilt. 19 He kept sending prophets among them to bring them back to Jehovah, and they kept warning* them, but they refused to listen.+

15 Jehovah the God of their forefathers kept warning them by means of his messengers, warning them again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling place. 16 But they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God,+ and they despised his words+ and mocked his prophets,+ until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people,+ until they were beyond healing.

4 And Jehovah sent all his servants the prophets to you, sending them again and again,* but you would not listen or incline your ear to hear.+