6. I, the Lord, will builda fence of thornsto block her path.
7. She will run after her lovers,but not catch them;she will search,but not find them.Then she will say, “I'll returnto my first husband.Life was better then.”
8. She didn't know that her grain,wine, and olive oilwere gifts from me,as were the gold and silvershe used in worshipping Baal.
9. So I'll hold back the harvestof grain and grapes.I'll take backmy wool and my linenthat cover her body.
10. Then I'll strip her nakedin the sight of her lovers.No one can rescue her.
11. I'll stop Israel's celebrations—no more New Moon Festivals,Sabbaths, or other feasts.
12. She said, “My lovers gave mevineyards and fig treesas payment for sex.”Now I, the Lord, will ruinher vineyards and fig trees;they will become clumps of weedseaten by wild animals.
13. I'll punish her for the daysshe worshipped Baaland burnt incense to him.I'll punish her for the timesshe forgot about meand wore jewellery and ringsto attract her lovers.I, the Lord, have spoken!
14. Israel, I, the Lord,will lure you into the desertand speak gently to you.
15. I will return your vineyards,and then Trouble Valleywill become Hopeful Valley.You will say “Yes” to meas you did in your youth,when leaving Egypt.
16. I promise that from that day on, you will call me your husband instead of your master.