20. For long ago I broke your yoke; I tore off your chains.You insisted, “I will not serve! ”On every high hilland under every green tree you lie down like a prostitute.
21. I planted you, a choice vine from the very best seed.How then could you turn intoa degenerate, foreign vine?
22. Even if you wash with lyeand use a great amount of soap, the stain of your sin is still in front of Me. This is the Lord God’s declaration.
23. How can you protest, “I am not defiled;I have not followed the Baals”? Look at your behavior in the valley;acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young cameltwisting and turning on her way,
24. a wild donkey at home in the wilderness.She sniffs the wind in the heat of her desire.Who can control her passion?All who look for her will not become tired;they will find her in her mating season.
25. Keep your feet from going bareand your throat from thirst.But you say, “It’s hopeless; I love strangers, and I will continue to follow them.”
26. Like the shame of a thief when he is caught,so the house of Israel has been put to shame. They, their kings, their officials,their priests, and their prophets