7. The more priests there are,the more they sin against me.They have exchanged the glory of Godfor the shame of idols.
8. “When the people bring their sin offerings, the priests get fed.So the priests are glad when the people sin!
9. ‘And what the priests do, the people also do.’So now I will punish both priests and peoplefor their wicked deeds.
10. They will eat and still be hungry.They will play the prostitute and gain nothing from it,for they have deserted the lord
11. to worship other gods.“Wine has robbed my peopleof their understanding.
12. They ask a piece of wood for advice!They think a stick can tell them the future!Longing after idolshas made them foolish.They have played the prostitute,serving other gods and deserting their God.
13. They offer sacrifices to idols on the mountaintops.They go up into the hills to burn incensein the pleasant shade of oaks, poplars, and terebinth trees.“That is why your daughters turn to prostitution,and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
14. But why should I punish themfor 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 not be guilty of such things.Do not join the false worship at Gilgal or Beth-aven,and do not take oaths there in the lord’s name.
16. Israel is stubborn,like a stubborn heifer.So should the lord feed herlike a lamb in a lush pasture?