1. You have defiled the land (1-5)

Unfaithfulness is a serious character flaw and a sin in God's sight. Immorality and idolatry are expressions of unfaithfulness. Israel had become a spiritual prostitute, unfaithful to her true husband, God. The people worshipped idols and lived immoral lives. Now they were suffering for their sins, and they asked God to save them. Even though they called God 'Father,' there was no evidence of real repentance.

2. Faithless Israel; unfaithful Judah (6-25)

In the 18th year of Josiah's reign, nearly 100 years after the fall of Israel, the lost Bible was found (2Ki 22). Josiah discovered how far Judah had gotten from God's law. Judah should have seen what had happened to Israel and repented with all her heart, but she did not. God invited both Judah and Israel to return to him. He would heal their broken land and bless them with real shepherds. He would heal their backsliding. Salvation is only in God.

Application: Lord, forgive our sins and raise up shepherds after your own heart.
One Word: Repent and follow the true Shepherd