Chapter 4
1 Hear the LORD ’s word , you children of Israel , for the LORD has a charge against the inhabitants of the land: " Indeed there is no truth , nor goodness , nor knowledge of God in the land.
2 There is cursing, lying , murder , stealing , and committing adultery ; they break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed .
3 Therefore the land will mourn , and everyone who dwells in it will waste away , with all living things in her , even the animals of the field and the birds of the sky ; yes , the fish of the sea also die.
4 " Yet let no man bring a charge, neither let any man accuse ; for your people are like those who bring charges against a priest .
5 You will stumble in the day , and the prophet will also stumble with you in the night ; and I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . Because you have rejected knowledge , I will also reject you , that you may be no priest to me . Because you have forgotten your God’s law , I will also forget your children .
7 As they were multiplied , so they sinned against me . I will change their glory into shame .
8 They feed on the sin of my people , and set their heart on their iniquity .
9 It will be like people , like priest ; and I will punish them for their ways , and will repay them for their deeds .
10 They will eat, and not have enough . They will play the prostitute , and will not increase ; because they have abandoned listening to the LORD .
11 Prostitution , wine , and new wine take away understanding .
12 My people consult with their wooden idol, and answer to a stick of wood . Indeed the spirit of prostitution has led them astray , and they have been unfaithful to their God.
13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains , and burn incense on the hills , under oaks, poplars , and terebinths, because its shade is good . Therefore your daughters play the prostitute , and your brides commit adultery .
14 I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute , nor your brides when they commit adultery ; because the men consort with prostitutes , and they sacrifice with the shrine prostitutes ; so the people without understanding will come to ruin.
15 "Though you , Israel , play the prostitute , yet don’t let Judah offend; and don’t come to Gilgal , neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear , ‘ As the LORD lives .’
16 For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly , like a stubborn heifer . Then how will the LORD feed them like a lamb in a meadow?
17 Ephraim is joined to idols . Leave him alone !
18 Their drink has become sour . They play the prostitute continually . Her rulers dearly love their shameful way.
19 The wind has wrapped her up in its wings ; and they shall be disappointed because of their sacrifices .