11 When Ephraim multiplied his altars for sin,(A)
they became his altars for sinning.
12 Though I were to write out for him
ten thousand points of My instruction,(B)
they would be[a] regarded as something strange.
13 Though they offer sacrificial gifts[b](C)
and eat the flesh,(D)
the Lord does not accept them.
Now He will remember their guilt(E)
and punish their sins;(F)
they will return to Egypt.(G)
14 Israel has forgotten his Maker(H) and built palaces;(I)
Judah has also multiplied fortified cities.
I will send fire on their cities,(J)
and it will consume their citadels.

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Footnotes

  1. Hosea 8:12 Or Though I wrote out . . . instruction, they are
  2. Hosea 8:13 Hb obscure

11 “Israel has built many altars to take away sin,
    but these very altars became places for sinning!
12 Even though I gave them all my laws,
    they act as if those laws don’t apply to them.
13 The people love to offer sacrifices to me,
    feasting on the meat,
    but I do not accept their sacrifices.
I will hold my people accountable for their sins,
    and I will punish them.
    They will return to Egypt.
14 Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces,
    and Judah has fortified its cities.
Therefore, I will send down fire on their cities
    and will burn up their fortresses.”

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