12 My people consult their wooden idols,ao

and their divining rods inform them.

For a spirit of promiscuity leads them astray;ap

they act promiscuouslyaq

in disobedience toF their God.

13 They sacrifice on the mountaintops,ar

and they burn offerings on the hills,as

and under oaks, poplars, and terebinths,at

because their shade is pleasant.

And so your daughters act promiscuously

and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.

14 I will not punish your daughters

when they act promiscuously

or your daughters-in-law

when they commit adultery,

for the men themselves go off with prostitutesau

and make sacrifices with cult prostitutes.av

People without discernment are doomed.aw

WARNINGS FOR ISRAEL AND JUDAH

15 Israel, if you act promiscuously,

don’t let Judah become guilty!

Do not go to Gilgalax

or make a pilgrimage to Beth-aven,G,ay

and do not swear an oath: As the Lord lives!az

16 For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn cow.ba

Can the Lord now shepherd them

like a lamb in an open meadow?bb

17 Ephraim is attached to idols;bc

leave him alone!bd

18 When their drinking is over,

they turn to promiscuity.

Israel’s leaders* fervently love disgrace.B

19 A wind with its wings will carry them off,I,be

and they will be ashamed of their sacrifices.