they've rebelled in treachery against the LORD, and are turning away from following our God; and they've spoken oppression and revolt, and are conceiving lying words from the heart.

This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the person who trusts in mankind, who makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

But the descendants of Levi, who went far away from me when Israel abandoned me, who left me to follow their idols, are to bear the punishment of their iniquity.

"Lord! Great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant and gracious love for those who love him and obey his commandments, we've sinned, we've practiced evil, we've acted wickedly, and we've rebelled, turning away from your commands and from your regulations.

See to it, my brothers, that no evil, unbelieving heart is found in any of you, as shown by your turning away from the living God.

Ye have caused

"So I also made you despised, humiliating you before all of the people, because you aren't following my ways and are showing partiality when you teach."

By doing this, the sin of the young men was very serious in the LORD's sight because the men despised the LORD's offering.

For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.

Yet my people have forgotten me, and they burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their journey on the ancient paths. They walk on trails, on a way that is not built up.

Indeed, both priest and prophet are ungodly. Even in my house I find evil," declares the LORD.

"Why do your disciples disregard the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands when they eat."

Then one of the experts in the Law told him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us, too."

and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness,

The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that makes your brother stumble, upset, or weak.

Ye have corrupted

"My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence.

"He is not to defile his children among his people, because I am the LORD, who sets him apart."

Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the descendants of Levi.

General references

The descendants of Levi are to declare in a loud voice to every Israeli:

"They are to teach my people how to discern what is holy in contrast to what is common, showing them how to discern between what is unclean and clean.