1 Yahweh’s Contention with Israel Listen to the word of Yahweh, O sons of Israel,For Yahweh has a contention against the inhabitants of the land,Because there is no truth or 4:1Or loyalty lovingkindnessOr knowledge of God in the land.
2 There isswearing of oaths, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery.They break forthin violenceso that bloodshed 4:2 Lit touches follows bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land mourns,And everyone who inhabits it languishesAlong with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky,And also the fish of the sea 4:3Lit are gathered up disappear.
4 ¶Yet let no man contend, and let no man offer reproof;Indeed, your people are like those who contend with the priest.
5 So you will stumble by day,And the prophet also will stumble with you by night;And I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.Because you have rejected knowledge,I also will reject you from ministering as My priest.Since you have forgotten the law of your God,I Myself also will forget your children.
7 ¶The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me;I will change their glory into disgrace.
8 They eat the 4:8Or sin offering sin of My peopleAnd lift up 4:8Lit his their soul toward their iniquity.
9 And it will be like people, like priest;So I will punish them for their waysAnd cause their deeds to return to them.
10 They will eat, but not be satisfied;They will play the harlot, but not break forthin number,Because they have 4:10Or forsaken Yahweh to practice (v 11) harlotry; lit forsaken giving heed forsaken Yahweh to keepharlotry.
11 ¶Harlotry, wine, and new wine take away a heartof wisdom.
12 My people ask their wooden idol, and theirdiviner’swand declares to them;For a spirit of harlotry has ledthemastray,And they have played the harlot,departing 4:12 Lit from under from their God.
13 They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountainsAnd 4:13Or offer sacrifices burn incense on the hills,Under oak, poplar, and terebinthBecause their shade is good.Therefore your daughters play the harlot,And your 4:13Or daughters-in-law brides commit adultery.
14 I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlotOr your 4:14Or daughters-in-law brides when they commit adultery,Forthe menthemselves go apart with harlotsAnd offer sacrifices with cult prostitutes;So the people without understanding are 4:14Lit thrust down ruined.
15 ¶Though you, Israel, play the harlot,Do not let Judah become guilty;Also do not go to GilgalNor go up to Beth-avenAnd swear the oath:“As Yahweh lives!”
16 Since Israel is stubbornLike a stubborn heifer, 4:16Or Now Yahweh will pasture...field Can Yahweh now feed themLike a lamb in a large field?
17 Ephraim is joined to idols;Let him alone.
18 Their drink gone;They play the harlot continually;Their 4:18Lit shields rulers dearly love disgrace.
19 The wind binds them up in its wings,And they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices.