7. The more they increased,the more they sinned against me;they exchanged their glory for shame.
8. They feed on the sin of my people;they set their hearts on evil things.
9. The priest will be just like the people;I will punish them for their ways,and judge them for their deeds.
10. They will eat but not be satisfied;they will have sex like prostitutes,but they will not have children,because they have rejected the Lordto devote themselves to
11. false religious practices.Wine and new winedestroy understanding.
12. My people take advice from a piece of wood,and their divining rod gives them predictions.A spirit of prostitution has led them astray;they have left God to follow other gods.
13. They offer sacrifices on mountaintops,and make entirely burned offerings on hills;they offer sacrifices under various green trees,because their shade is pleasant.Therefore, your daughters act like prostitutes,and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
14. I will not punish your daughters because they act like prostitutes,nor your daughters-in-law because they commit adultery;for the men themselves visit prostitutes,and offer sacrifices with consecrated workers at temples;so now the people without sense must come to ruin.
15. Israel, even though you act like a prostitute,don’t let Judah become guilty.Don’t enter into Gilgal,or go up to Beth-aven,and don’t swear, "As the Lord lives."
16. Like a stubborn cow Israel is stubborn.Now the Lord will tend them,as the Lord tends a lamb in a pasture.
17. Ephraim is associated with idols—let him alone!
18. Though they have stopped drinking,they continue to behave like prostitutes;indeed, they “love”; shame is their pride.
19. The wind has wrapped her in its wings;they will be ashamed of their sacrifices.