Hosea 4:7-17 (New International Version)
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7
The more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchangeda theirb Glory1 for something disgraceful.2
8
They feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness.3
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And it will be: Like people, like priests.4 I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.5
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"They will eat but not have enough;6 they will engage in prostitution7 but not increase, because they have deserted8 the LORD to give themselves
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to prostitution,9 to old wine10 and new, which take away the understanding11
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of my people. They consult a wooden idol12 and are answered by a stick of wood.13 A spirit of prostitution14 leads them astray;15 they are unfaithful16 to their God.
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They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak,17 poplar and terebinth, where the shade is pleasant.18 Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution19 and your daughters-in-law to adultery.20
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"I will not punish your daughters when they turn to prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery, because the men themselves consort with harlots21 and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes22-- a people without understanding23 will come to ruin!24
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"Though you commit adultery, O Israel, let not Judah become guilty. "Do not go to Gilgal;25 do not go up to Beth Aven.c26 And do not swear, 'As surely as the LORD lives!'27
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The Israelites are stubborn,28 like a stubborn heifer.29 How then can the LORD pasture them like lambs30 in a meadow?
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Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)
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