However, these nations would not listen but continued observing their former practices.
Can the Cushite change his skin, or a leopard his spots? If so, you might be able to do what is good, you who are instructed in evil.
They are still observing the former practices to this day. None of them fear the Lord or observe the statutes and ordinances, the law and commandments that the Lord had commanded the descendants of Jacob, whom he had given the name Israel.
They served idols, although the Lord had told them, ‘You must not do this.’
They lived according to the customs of the nations that the Lord had dispossessed before the Israelites and according to what the kings of Israel did.
There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see, hear, eat, or smell.
but fear the Lord your God, and he will rescue you from all your enemies.’
They feared the Lord but also served their idols. Still today, their children and grandchildren continue doing as their ancestors did.