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10 They will eat but not be satisfied,(A)
    they will promote prostitution[a] but not increase,
Because they have abandoned the Lord,
    devoting themselves
11     to prostitution.
Aged wine and new wine
    take away understanding.(B)
12 My people consult their piece of wood,[b]
    and their wand makes pronouncements for them,
For the spirit of prostitution has led them astray;
    they prostitute themselves, forsaking their God.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:10–11 Prostitution: often a synonym for idolatry. The covenant bond was symbolized as the relationship between husband and wife (see chaps. 1–2). Thus, abandoning the Lord for a foreign god was called prostitution or adultery.
  2. 4:12 Piece of wood: a derogatory term for an idol. Wand: a sacred wooden object, perhaps some kind of staff, used for divination.

10 “They will eat but not have enough;(A)
    they will engage in prostitution(B) but not flourish,
because they have deserted(C) the Lord
    to give themselves 11 to prostitution;(D)
old wine(E) and new wine
    take away their understanding.(F)
12 My people consult a wooden idol,(G)
    and a diviner’s rod speaks to them.(H)
A spirit of prostitution(I) leads them astray;(J)
    they are unfaithful(K) to their God.

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