Isaiah 57:1-13 - Idolatry Is Adultery

¹ The godly perish, but no one cares. Honest people disappear, when no one minds that the godly disappear because of evil. ² Those who live uprightly enter a place of peace; they rest on their beds.

³ But approach, you sons of omen readers, you offspring of adulteresses and prostitutes! ⁴ At whom are you laughing? At whom are you opening your mouth and sticking out your tongue? You are the children of rebels, the offspring of liars, ⁵ you who practice ritual sex under the oaks and every green tree, who slaughter children near the streams under the rocky overhangs. ⁶ Among the smooth stones of the stream are the idols you love; they, they are the object of your devotion. You pour out liquid offerings to them, you make an offering. Because of these things I will seek vengeance. ⁷ On every high, elevated hill you prepare your bed; you go up there to offer sacrifices. ⁸ Behind the door and doorpost you put your symbols. Indeed, you depart from me and go up and invite them into bed with you. You purchase favors from them, you love their bed, and gaze longingly on their genitals. ⁹ You take olive oil as tribute to your king, along with many perfumes. You send your messengers to a distant place; you go all the way to Sheol. ¹⁰ Because of the long distance you must travel, you get tired, but you do not say, 'I give up.' You get renewed energy, so you don't collapse. ¹¹ Whom are you worried about? Whom do you fear, that you would act so deceitfully and not remember me or think about me? Because I have been silent for so long, you are not afraid of me. ¹² I will denounce your so-called righteousness and your deeds, but they will not help you. ¹³ When you cry out for help, let your idols help you! The wind blows them all away, a breeze carries them away. But the one who looks to me for help will inherit the land and will have access to my holy mountain."