7 Why should I forgive you?

Your children have abandoned me

and sworn by those who are not gods.i

I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery;j

they gashed themselvesk at theA prostitute’s house.

8 They are well-fed,B eagerC stallions,l

each neighingm after someone else’s wife.n

9 Should I not punish them for these things?o

This is the Lord’s declaration.

Should I not avenge myselfp

on such a nation as this?