My people consult their [lifeless] wooden idol, and their [diviner’s] wand gives them oracles. For a spirit of prostitution has led them astray [morally and spiritually], And they have played the prostitute, withdrawing themselves from their God. They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains And burn incense on the hills, Under oaks, poplars, and terebinths, Because the shade is pleasant there. Therefore your daughters play the prostitute And your brides commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute Or your brides when they commit adultery, For the men themselves slip away with prostitutes, And they offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes [who give their bodies in honor of the idol]. So the people without understanding [stumble and fall and] come to ruin. ¶Though you, Israel, play the prostitute [by worshiping idols], Do not let Judah become guilty [of the same thing]; And do not go to Gilgal [where idols are worshiped], Or go up to Beth-aven (House of Wickedness), Nor swear [oaths in idolatrous worship, saying], “As the LORD lives!” For Israel is stubborn, Like a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field? Ephraim is joined to idols, So let him alone [to suffer the consequences]. When their liquor is gone [and their drinking parties are over], They habitually go to play the prostitute; Ephraim’s rulers continue to dearly love shame [more than her glory which is the LORD, Israel’s God]. The wind [of God’s relentless wrath] has wrapped up Israel in its wings, And [in captivity] they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices [to calves, to sun, to moon, to stars, and to pagan gods].
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Compare All Versions: Hosea 4:12-19
3 Days
Gain understanding from the Bible about the connection between giving up sin through the power of the Holy Spirit and about the reception of untold joy that does not depend on circumstances.
13 Days
God used Hosea to powerfully communicate His anguish towards the nation of Israel due to their continued idol worship. Hosea’s life and ministry show both the heart-breaking cost of idolatry as well as the lengths to which God will go to redeem His sinful people back to Him. This book reminds us that despite our sinful idolatry, God is always faithful.
14 Days
This prophet Hosea ministered during one of the most difficult times in Israel's history. The midst of the struggles, God called Hosea to speak wisdom to his people. So, what did Hosea tell them? And what can we learn from his wisdom today?
28 Days
Daily Bible reading helps you build consistent interaction with Scripture. Background, key verses for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, and prayers prompted by the day's passage will all help you connect with God and others. Journey with us this month and explore the theme “God’s Guiding Word: Sharing God's Love"
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