Study Desk

Promiscuity,^(af) wine, and new wine take away one's understanding.^(ag)

My people consult their wooden idols,^(ah) and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of promiscuity leads them astray;^(ai) they act promiscuously^(aj) in disobedience to^[f] their God.

They sacrifice on the mountaintops,^(ak) and they burn offerings on the hills,^(al) and under oaks, poplars, and terebinths,^(am) because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters act promiscuously and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.

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 prostitutes^(an) and make sacrifices with cult prostitutes.^(ao) People without discernment are doomed.^(ap)

Israel, if you act promiscuously, don't let Judah become guilty! Do not go to Gilgal^(aq) or make a pilgrimage to Beth-aven,^[g](ar) and do not swear an oath: As the Lord lives!^(as)

For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn cow.^(at) Can the Lord now shepherd them like a lamb in an open meadow?^(au)

Ephraim is attached to idols;^(av) leave him alone!^(aw)

When their drinking is over, they turn to promiscuity. Israel's leaders^[h] fervently love disgrace.^[i]

A wind with its wings will carry them off,^[j](ax) and they will be ashamed of their sacrifices.

Hear this, priests!^(a) Pay attention, house of Israel! Listen, royal house! For the judgment applies to you because you have been a snare at Mizpah^(b) and a net spread out on Tabor.

Rebels^(c) are deeply involved in slaughter;^(d) I will be a punishment for all of them.^[a]

I know Ephraim,^(e) and Israel is not hidden from Me. For now, Ephraim,^(f) you have acted promiscuously; Israel is defiled.

Their actions do not allow them to return to their God,^(g) for a spirit of promiscuity is among them,^(h) and they do not know the Lord .⁽ⁱ⁾