¹⁶ The Israelites are stubborn,^(A)
    like a stubborn heifer.^(B)
How then can the Lord pasture them
    like lambs^(C) in a meadow?
¹⁷ Ephraim is joined to idols;
    leave him alone!
¹⁸ Even when their drinks are gone,
    they continue their prostitution;
    their rulers dearly love shameful ways.