12. My people consult a wooden idol,and a diviner’s rod speaks to them.A spirit of prostitution leads them astray;they are unfaithful to their God.
13. They sacrifice on the mountaintopsand burn offerings on the hills,under oak, poplar and terebinth,where the shade is pleasant.Therefore your daughters turn to prostitutionand your daughters-in-law to adultery.
14. ‘I will not punish your daughterswhen they turn to prostitution,nor your daughters-in-lawwhen they commit adultery,because the men themselves consort with harlotsand sacrifice with shrine-prostitutes –a people without understanding will come to ruin!
15. ‘Though you, Israel, commit adultery,do not let Judah become guilty.‘Do not go to Gilgal;do not go up to Beth Aven.And do not swear, “As surely as the Lord lives!”
16. The Israelites are stubborn,like a stubborn heifer.How then can the Lord pasture themlike lambs in a meadow?
17. Ephraim is joined to idols;leave him alone!
18. Even when their drinks are gone,they continue their prostitution;their rulers dearly love shameful ways.
19. A whirlwind will sweep them away,and their sacrifices will bring them shame.