The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
6 I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.
6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
7 You broke the covenant - just like Adam! You broke faith with me - ungrateful wretches!
7
As at Adam, they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there.
8 "Gilead has become Crime City - blood on the sidewalks, blood on the streets.
8
Gilead is a city of evildoers, stained with footprints of blood.
9 It used to be robbers who mugged pedestrians. Now it's gangs of priests Assaulting worshipers on their way to Shechem. Nothing is sacred to them.
9
As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, carrying out their wicked schemes.
10 "I saw a shocking thing in the country of Israel: Ephraim worshiping in a religious whorehouse, and Israel in the mud right there with him.
10
I have seen a horrible thing in Israel: There Ephraim is given to prostitution, Israel is defiled.
11 "You're as bad as the worst of them, Judah. You've been sowing wild oats. Now it's harvest time.
11
“Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.