As the thief is ashamed when he is caught,
The house of Israel, with kings, officials, priests, and prophets, is put to shame like a thief when caught.
This verse widens the shame to the whole nation and its leaders.
23“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; 24a wild donkey at home in the wilderness, 25You should have kept your feet from going bare 26As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, 27say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ 28But where are the gods you made for yourselves? 29Why do you bring a case against Me? 30“I have struck your sons in vain; 31You people of this generation, consider the word of the LORD: 32Does a maiden forget her jewelry 33How skillfully you pursue love! 34Moreover, your skirts are stained 35you say, ‘I am innocent. 36How impulsive you are, 37Moreover, you will leave that place