11. Prostitutes, old wine, and new wine have robbed them of their senses.
12. My people ask their wooden idols for help.A piece of wood tells them what to do.A spirit of prostitution leads them astray.They commit adulteryby giving themselves to other gods.
13. They offer sacrifices on mountaintops,and they burn incense on the hillsunder oaks, poplars, and other trees.They think that these trees provide good shade.“That is why your daughters become prostitutes,and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
14. Yet, I will not punish your daughters when they become prostitutesor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery.The men go to prostitutesand offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes.These foolish people will be trampled.
15. “Israel, you act like a prostitute.Don’t let Judah become guilty too.Don’t go to Gilgal.Don’t go to Beth Aven.Don’t take the oath, ‘As the Lord lives. . . .’
16. “The people of Israel are as stubborn as a bull.How can the Lord feed them like lambs in an open pasture?
17. The people of Ephraim have chosen to worship idols. Leave them alone!