I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.
They have known - rather, 'they must know.' The prophet supposes it as probable, considering their position.
But these - I found the very reverse to be the case.
Burst the bonds - set God's law at defiance (Psalms 2:3).