Hosea 4:13-15

Easy-to-Read Version

¹³ They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains and burn incense on the hills under oak trees, poplar trees, and elm trees.^[a] The shade under those trees looks nice. So your daughters lie under those trees like prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law commit sexual sins.

¹⁴ “I cannot blame your daughters or your daughters-in-law for doing this, because your men go and have sex with the temple prostitutes^[b] and offer sacrifices with them. This is how foolish people destroy themselves.

The Shameful Sins of Israel

¹⁵ “Israel, just because you act like a prostitute doesn’t mean that Judah should feel guilty too. People, don’t go to Gilgal or Beth Aven.^[c] Don’t use the Lord’s name to make promises. Don’t say, ‘As the Lord lives …!’