1Hear the word of the LORD, you children of Israel; for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
2There is only cursing, lying, killing, stealing, and adultery; and one murder follows another.
3Therefore, the land mourns, and every one who dwells in it languishes; even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air; yea, the fishes of the sea are also disappearing.
4But do not point an accusing finger at the people; because My complaint is with you, the priests.
5You stumble and fall in the day, and your prophets also fall with you in the night, and I will destroy your mother, Israel.
6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge of Me, I will also reject you as priests to Me. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
7The more priests there were, the more they sinned against Me; they traded their glorious God for the shame of idols.
8They feed on the sins of My people, and they glory in their wickedness.
9And it shall be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways, and repay them for their doings.
10For they shall eat, and not have enough; they shall engage in prostitution, but not prosper; because they have deserted the LORD;
11They have given themselves to harlotry; and wine and new wine takes away their understanding.
12My people consult wooden idols, and their diviner’s rod speaks to them; for the spirit of harlotry has led them astray, and they have been unfaithful to their God.
13They sacrifice on the mountain tops, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks, poplars and elms, because their shadow provides them cover; therefore your daughters and your spouses shall commit adultery.
14I will not punish your daughters when they commit harlotry, nor your spouses when they commit adultery; because the men, themselves, consort with harlots, and they consort with shrine harlots; therefore, the people that do not understand shall fall.
15Though you play the harlot, Israel, yet do not let Judah offend and become guilty; and do not go to Gilgal, nor to Beth-aven, nor swear, “The LORD lives”.
16For Israel is like a stubborn, backsliding heifer; how then can the LORD pasture them as lambs in a large meadow?
17Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!
18When their drink is gone; they continued to committed harlotry; their rulers love shame more than glory.
19The whirlwind will sweep them away, and they their sacrifices shall bring them shame. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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