9‘And what the priests do, the people also do.’
So now I will punish both priests and people
for their wicked deeds.
10They will eat and still be hungry.
They will play the prostitute and gain nothing from it,
for they have deserted the Lord
11to worship other gods.
“Wine has robbed my people
of their understanding.
12They ask a piece of wood for advice!
They think a stick can tell them the future!
Longing after idols
has made them foolish.
They have played the prostitute,
serving other gods and deserting their God.
13They offer sacrifices to idols on the mountaintops.
They go up into the hills to burn incense
in the pleasant shade of oaks, poplars, and terebinth trees.
“That is why your daughters turn to prostitution,
and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
14But why should I punish them
for their prostitution and adultery?
For your men are doing the same thing,
sinning with whores and shrine prostitutes.
O foolish people! You refuse to understand,
so you will be destroyed.
15“Though you, Israel, are a prostitute,
may Judah avoid such guilt.
Do not join the false worship at Gilgal or Beth-aven,
even though they take oaths there in the Lord’s name.
16Israel is stubborn,
like a stubborn heifer.
So should the Lord feed her
like a lamb in a lush pasture?
17Leave Israel alone,
because she is married to idolatry.
18When the rulers of Israel finish their drinking,
off they go to find some prostitutes.
They love shame more than honor.
19So a mighty wind will sweep them away.
Their sacrifices to idols will bring them shame.
