41 Listen to the word of the Lord , O sons of Israel , For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land , Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land . 2 There is swearing , deception , murder , stealing and adultery . They employ violence , so that bloodshed follows bloodshed . 3 Therefore e the land mourns , And everyone who lives in it languishes Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky , And also the fish of the sea disappear . 4 Yet let no one find fault , and let none e offer reproof ; For 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 being My priest . Since you have forgotten the law of your God , I also will forget your children . 7 The more they multiplied , the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame . 8 They feed on the sin of My people And direct their desire toward their iniquity . 9 And it will be, like people , like priest ; So I will punish them for their ways And repay them for their deeds . 10 They will eat , but not have enough ; They will play the harlot , but not increase , Because they have stopped giving heed to the Lord . 11 Harlotry , wine and new wine take away the understanding .
12 My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviner's wand informs them; For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray , And they have played the harlot , departing from their God . 13 They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountains And burn incense on the hills , Under oak , poplar and terebinth , Because their shade is pleasant . Therefore e your daughters play the harlot And your brides commit adultery . 14 I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot Or your brides when they commit adultery , For the men themselves go apart with harlots And offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes ; So the people without understanding are ruined . 15 Though you, Israel , play the harlot , Do not let Judah become guilty ; Also do not go to Gilgal , Or go up to Beth-aven And take the oath : "As the Lord lives !" 16 Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn heifer , Can the Lord now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field ? 17 Ephraim is joined to idols ; Let him alone . 18 Their liquor gone , They play the harlot continually ; Their rulers dearly love shame . 19 The wind wraps them in its wings , And they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices .
