1Hear the word of the LORD, you people of Israel; for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. 2“There is no faithfulness or love; only cursing, lying, killing, stealing, and adultery; breaking all bounds, and one murder follows another. 3Therefore, the land mourns, and everyone who dwells in it languishes; even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air; and the fish of the sea are also disappearing. 4But do not point an accusing finger at someone else; 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 Israel, your mother. 6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge of Me, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget to bless your children. 7The more priests there were, the more they sinned against Me; they traded their glorious God for shameful idols. 8They feed on the sins of My people, and they glory in their wickedness. 9And what the priests do, the people also do. I will punish both of them for their ways, and repay them for what they do. 10They shall eat, and not have enough; they shall engage in prostitution, but not prosper; because they have deserted the LORD.

11“They have given themselves to harlotry (worship of false gods); and old wine and new wine take 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 mountaintops, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks, poplars, and elms, because their shadow provides them cover; therefore, your daughters and your wives turn to adultery. 14I will not punish your daughters nor your wives when they commit adultery; because the men, themselves, consort with harlots, and with shrine harlots; therefore, these people that have no understanding shall come to ruin. 15Though you, Israel, play the harlot, yet do not let Judah also offend and become guilty; and do not go to Gilgal, nor to Beth-aven, nor swear, ‘The LORD lives.’

16“For Israel is like a stubborn, backsliding heifer; how then can the LORD pasture them like lambs in a lush meadow? 17Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! 18Even when their drink is gone; they continue to commit harlotry; their rulers love shame more than honor. 19The whirlwind will sweep them away, and their sacrifices shall bring them shame.