15-19 “You’ve ruined your own life, Israel—
    but don’t drag Judah down with you!
Don’t go to the sex shrine at Gilgal,
    don’t go to that sin city Bethel,
Don’t go around saying ‘God bless you’ and not mean it,
    taking God’s name in vain.
Israel is stubborn as a mule.
    How can God lead him like a lamb to open pasture?
Ephraim is addicted to idols.
    Let him go.
When the beer runs out,
    it’s sex, sex, and more sex.
Bold and sordid debauchery—
    how they love it!
The whirlwind has them in its clutches.
    Their sex-worship leaves them finally impotent.”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids
My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
Retail: $16.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $3.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $4.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Black
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Black
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $1.00 (13%)
2.0 of 5.0 stars