Ever since we were young, Baal, the god of shame, has robbed us of the abundance our ancestors labored for— their flocks and herds, their precious sons and daughters.
You may remember your wretched past and feel deep remorse, yet you will be reduced to silence when you realize that I have forgiven you for everything you have done. I, Lord Yahweh, have spoken.”
When you get back your older and younger sisters, then you will remember your ways and feel ashamed. I will make them like daughters to you, but not on the basis of my new covenant with you.
The people of Judah worship as many gods as they have cities. They have as many altars to burn incense to that shameful one, Baal, as they have streets in Jerusalem.
The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the cries of his stallions, the whole land quakes. They have entered to completely devastate the land, Jerusalem, and its inhabitants.
I warned you in your prosperous times, but you said, ‘I don’t want to hear it.’ You have treated me like that ever since your youth, refusing to listen to me.
“And now I, Yahweh, God of Israel, Commander God of Angel Armies, ask you: Why do you insist on heading for another disaster, one that will destroy every man, woman, and child in Judah? Why should you leave yourselves without a remnant?
I gave you food made with the best flour, olive oil, and honey. But you offered it as a fragrant incense to these idols. I, Lord Yahweh, declare: that is exactly what you did!