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15 “Even though you prostitute yourself, Israel—
    let not Judah incur guilt—
don’t go to Gilgal,
    or visit Beth-aven,
        or swear an oath using the Lord’s name.[a]
16 For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn mule![b]
    Nevertheless, will not the Lord feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?
17 Ephraim has become entwined with idols;
    leave him alone!

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Footnotes

  1. Hosea 4:15 Lit. oath, ‘…as the Lord lives’
  2. Hosea 4:16 Or cow

15 “Though you, Israel, commit adultery,
    do not let Judah become guilty.

“Do not go to Gilgal;(A)
    do not go up to Beth Aven.[a](B)
    And do not swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives!’(C)
16 The Israelites are stubborn,(D)
    like a stubborn heifer.(E)
How then can the Lord pasture them
    like lambs(F) in a meadow?
17 Ephraim is joined to idols;
    leave him alone!

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Footnotes

  1. Hosea 4:15 Beth Aven means house of wickedness (a derogatory name for Bethel, which means house of God).