The root of the sin is that Israel did not listen. They ignored what the Lord told them, even when he sent prophets to personally remind them of his will and let them know that he was calling them back to his will. The Lord sent the prophets as his servants who brought his Word to the people: to call them back to him in love.
10 and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.