New Living Translation (NLT)
Hosea 4
11 to worship other gods. “Wine has robbed my people of their understanding.
12 They ask a piece of wood for advice! They think a stick can tell them the future! Longing after idols has 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 incense in 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 them for 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 avoid such guilt. Do not join the false worship at Gilgal or Beth-aven, even though they take oaths there in the LORD’s name.
16 Israel is stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. So should the LORD feed her like a lamb in a lush pasture?
17 Leave Israel alone, because she is married to idolatry.
18 When the rulers of Israel finish their drinking, off they go to find some prostitutes. They love shame more than honor.
19 So a mighty wind will sweep them away. Their sacrifices to idols will bring them shame.
Hosea 5
1 “Hear this, you priests. Pay attention, you leaders of Israel. Listen, you members of the royal family. Judgment has been handed down against you. For you have led the people into a snare by worshiping the idols at Mizpah and Tabor.
2 You have dug a deep pit to trap them at Acacia Grove. But I will settle with you for what you have done.
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