9Like a wild donkey looking for a mate,

they have gone up to Assyria.

The people of Israel^a have sold themselves—

sold themselves to many lovers.

10But though they have sold themselves to many allies,

I will now gather them together for judgment.

Then they will writhe

under the burden of the great king.

11“Israel has built many altars to take away sin,

but these very altars became places for sinning!

12Even though I gave them all my laws,

they act as if those laws don’t apply to them.

13The people of Israel love their rituals of sacrifice,

but to me their sacrifices are all meaningless.

I will hold my people accountable for their sins,

and I will punish them.

They will return to Egypt.

14Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces,

and Judah has fortified its cities.

Therefore, I will send down fire on their cities

and will burn up their fortresses.”