31 Bible Verses about Apostasy in OT

Commonly, when a man putteth away his wife, and she goeth from him, and marrieth with another, then the question is: should he resort unto her any more after that? Is not this field then defiled and unclean? But as for thee, thou hast played the harlot with many lovers, yet turn again to me, sayeth the LORD. Lift up thine eyes on every side, and look, if thou be not defiled. Thou hast waited for them in the streets, and as a murderer in the wilderness. through thy whoredoms and shameful blasphemies, is the land defiled. This is the cause that the rain and evening dew hath ceased. Thou hast gotten thee a whore's forehead, and canst not be ashamed.read more.
Else wouldst thou say unto me, 'O my father, thou art he that hast brought me up, and led me from my youth: Wilt thou then put me away and cast me off for ever? Or wilt thou withdraw thyself clean from me?' Nevertheless, thou speakest such words, but thou art ever doing worse and worse." The LORD said also unto me, in the time of Josiah the king, "Hast thou seen what that shrinking Israel hath done? How she hath run up upon all high hills, and among all thick trees, and there played the harlot? Hast thou seen also, when she had done all this, how I said unto her that she should turn again unto me, and yet she is not returned? Judah, that unfaithful sister of hers also saw this: Namely, that after I had well seen the adultery of the shrinking harlot Israel, I put her away, and gave her a bill of divorcement. For all this, her unfaithful sister Judah was not ashamed, but went back and played the whore also. Yea, and the noise of her whoredom hath defiled the whole land. For she hath committed her adultery with stones and stocks. Nevertheless, her unfaithful sister Judah is not turned unto me again with her whole heart, but feignedly, sayeth the LORD." And the LORD said unto me, "The shrinking Israel is more righteous than the unfaithful Judah: and therefore go preach these words toward the north, and say, 'Thou shrinking Israel, turn again, sayeth the LORD; and I will not turn my face from you, for I am merciful, sayeth the LORD. And I will not always bear displeasure against thee: but on this condition, that thou know thy great blasphemy: Namely, that thou hast unfaithfully forsaken the LORD thy God, and hast made thyself partaker of strange gods under all green trees, but hast had no will to hear my voice, sayeth the LORD. O ye shrinking children, turn again, sayeth the LORD: and I will be married with you. For I will take one out of the city, and two out of one generation from among you, and bring you out of Zion: and I will give you herdsmen after mine own mind, which shall feed you with learning and wisdom. Moreover, when ye be increased and multiplied in the land, then, sayeth the LORD, there shall no more boast be made of the ark of the LORD's Covenant: No man shall think upon it, neither shall any man make mention of it: for from thenceforth it shall neither be visited, nor honored with gifts. Then shall Jerusalem be called the LORD's seat, and all Heathen shall be gathered unto it, for the name of the LORD's sake, which shall be set up at Jerusalem. And from that time forth, they shall follow no more the imagination of their own froward heart. Then those that be of the house of Judah shall go into the house of Israel: and they shall come together out of the North, into the same land that I have given your fathers. "'I have showed also, how I took thee up being but a child, and gave thee a pleasant land for thine heritage; yea, and a goodly Host of the Heathen: and how I commanded thee, that thou shouldest call me Father only, and not to shrink from me. But like as a woman faileth her lover, so are ye unfaithful unto me, O ye house of Israel, sayeth the LORD.'" And therefore the voice of the children of Israel was heard on every side, weeping and wailing: for they have defiled their way, and forgotten God their LORD. "O ye shrinking children, turn again, saying, "Lo, we are thine, for thou art the LORD our God!" And so shall I heal your backturnings. The hills fall, and all the high pride of the mountains; but the health of Israel standeth only upon God our LORD. Confusion hath devoured our fathers' labour from our youth up: yea, their sheep and bullocks, their sons and daughters. So do we also sleep in our confusion, and shame covereth us: for we and our fathers from our youth up unto this day have sinned against the LORD our God, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God."

Notwithstanding, the LORD turned not from his fierce and great wrath wherewith he was angry against Judah upon all the provocations that Manasseh provoked him. But the LORD said, "I will put Judah, too, out of my sight, as I have done Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I have said, 'My name shall be there.'"

He cast out the heathen before them, caused their land to be divided among them for a heritage, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. Yet, for all this they tempted and displeased the most high God, and kept not his covenant: But turned their backs, and fell away like their forefathers, starting aside like a broken bow.read more.
And so they grieved him with their high places, and provoked him with their images. When God heard this, he was wroth, and took sore displeasure at Israel, so that he forsook the Tabernacle in Shiloh, even the tent that he had pitched among men. He delivered their power into captivity, and their beauty into the enemy's hand. He gave his people over unto the sword, for he was wroth with his inheritance. The fire consumed their young men, and their maidens were not given in marriage. Their priests were slain with the sword, and there were no widows to made lamentation.

And be ye not like your fathers and your brethren which trespassed against the LORD of your fathers, which therefore gave them up that they are wasted, as ye see. Wherefore, be not stiff-necked like unto your fathers, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and come to his holy place which he hath sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his wrath may turn from you. For if ye turn unto the LORD, then your brethren and your children shall find compassion in the presence of them that hold them captive, that they may come again unto this land: for the LORD your God is full of mercy and compassion, and will not turn his face from you, if ye turn again to him."

And when Joshua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every man into his inheritance to possess the land. And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, and had seen all the great works of the LORD that he did to Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun the servant of the LORD died when he was a hundred and ten years old:read more.
whom they buried in the coasts of his inheritance: even in Timnathserah in mount Ephraim on the north side of the hill Gaash. And even so, all that generation were put unto their fathers. And there arose another generation after them which neither knew the LORD, nor yet the works which he did unto Israel. And then the children of Israel did wickedly in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed strange gods, even of the gods of the nations that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and angered the LORD. And so they forsook the LORD and served Baal and Ashtaroth. Wherefore the LORD waxed angry with Israel, and delivered them unto the hands of raveners to spoil them and sold them into the hands of their enemies round about them, so that they had no power any longer to stand before their enemies. But unto whatsoever thing they went, the hand of the LORD was upon them with evil luck, even as the LORD promised them, and as he sware unto them. And they were sore vexed. Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hands of their oppressors, and yet for all that they would not hearken unto their judges: But went a whoring after strange gods and bowed themselves unto them, and turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in obeying the commandments of the LORD, and did not so. And when the LORD raised up judges unto them, the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hands of their enemies all the days of the judge: for the LORD had compassion over their sorrowings which they had by the reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. Yet for all that, as soon as the judge was dead they turned and did worse than their fathers in following strange gods, and in serving them, and ceased not from their inventions nor from their malicious ways. Wherefore the LORD was angry with Israel and said, "Because this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, therefore henceforth I will not cast out one man before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died - and that to prove Israel through them whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein as their fathers did or not." And so the LORD left those nations alone, and drove them not out immediately, neither delivered them into the hands of Joshua.

Like as the children of Ephraim, which being harnessed and carrying bows, turned themselves back in the time of battle: They kept not the covenant of God, and would not walk in his law. They forgot what he had done, and the wonderful works that he had showed for them.read more.
Marvelous things did he in the sight of our forefathers; in the land of Egypt, even in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea, and let them go through it; and made the waters to stand in a heap. In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night through with a light of fire. He clove the hard rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink thereof, as it had been out of the great depth. He brought waters out of the stony rock, so that it gushed out like the rivers. Yet for all this they sinned more against him, and provoked the most highest in the wilderness. They tempted God in their hearts, and required meat for their lust. For they spake against God, and said, "Yea yea, God shall prepare a table in the wilderness, shall he? Lo, he smote the stony rock, that the watery streams gushed out, and the streams flowed withal: but how can he give bread and provide flesh for his people?" When the LORD heard this, he was wroth: so the fire was kindled in Jacob, and heavy displeasure against Israel, because they believed not in God, and put not their trust in his help. So he commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven. He rained down manna upon them for to eat, and gave them bread from heaven. Then ate they angels' food, for he sent them meat enough. He caused the east wind to blow under the heaven, and through his power he brought in the southwest wind. He rained down manna upon them as thick as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea. He let it fall among their tents, even round about their habitations. So they ate, and were filled, for he gave them their own desire. And they were not disappointed of their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, the heavy wrath of God came upon them, and slew the wealthiest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. But for all this they sinned yet more, and believed not his wondrous works. Therefore their days were consumed in vanity, and suddenly their years were gone. When he slew them, they sought him, and turned them early, and inquired after God. And they remembered that God was their strength, and that the high God was their redeemer. Nevertheless, they did but flatter him with their mouths, and dissembled with him in their tongues. For their heart was not whole with him, neither continued they steadfast in his covenant. But he was so merciful, that he forgave their misdeeds, and destroyed them not. Yea, many a time turned he his wrath away, and would not suffer his whole displeasure to arise. For he considered that they were but flesh; even a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. O how oft did they grieve him in the wilderness? How many a time did they provoke him in the desert? They turned back, and tempted God, and moved the holy one in Israel.

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amos, which he saw upon Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear O heaven, and hearken O earth, for the LORD hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they are fallen away from me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the Ass his master's crib; but Israel knoweth nothing. My people hath no understanding.read more.
Alas for this sinful nation, which are expert in blasphemies; a seed of ungracious people, corrupt in their ways. They have forsaken the LORD; they have provoked the holy one of Israel unto anger, and are gone backward. Wherefore should ye be plagued any more? For ye are ever falling away. The whole head is sick, and the heart is very heavy. From the sole of the foot unto the head, there is no whole part in all your body: but all are wounds, botches, sores and stripes, which can neither be helped, bound up, mollified, nor eased with any ointment.

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets, which exhorted them so earnestly, that they should convert unto thee, and did great blasphemies. Therefore gavest thou them over into the hand of their enemies that vexed them. And in the time of their trouble they cried unto thee, and thou heardest them from heaven and through thy great mercy thou gavest them saviours, which helped them out of the hand of their enemies. But when they came to rest, they turned back again to do evil before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them. So they converted, and cried unto thee, and thou heardest them from heaven; and many times hast thou delivered them according to thy great mercy,read more.
and testified unto them, that they should turn again unto thy law. Notwithstanding, they were proud, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned in thy laws, which a man should do and live in them, and turned the shoulder away, and were stiff-necked, and would not hear. And many years didst thou forbear them, and testified unto them through thy spirit, even by the office of thy prophets, and yet would they not hear. Therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the nations in the lands. But for thy great mercies' sake thou hast not utterly consumed them, neither forsaken them: for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

When Moses saw that the people were naked - for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame when they made insurrection - he went and stood in the gate of the host and said, "If any man pertain unto the LORD, let him come to me." And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together and came unto him. And he said unto them, "Thus sayeth the LORD of Israel, 'Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the host: and slay every man his brother, every man his friend and every man his neighbor."read more.
And the children of Levi did as Moses had said. And there were slain of the people the same day, about three thousand men. Then Moses said, "Fill your hands unto the LORD this day, every man upon his son and upon his brother: to bring upon you a blessing this day."

And when I had brought you into a pleasant well builded land, that ye might enjoy the fruits and all the commodities of the same: ye went forth and defiled my land, and brought mine heritage to abomination. The priests themselves said not once, 'Where is the LORD?' They that have the law in their hands, know me not: The shepherds offend against me. The Prophets do service unto Baal, and follow such things as shall bring them no profit. "Wherefore I am constrained, sayeth the LORD, to make my complaint upon you, and upon your children.read more.
Go into the Isles of Chittim, and look well; send unto Kedar, and take diligent heed; and see, whether such things be done there, whether the Gentiles themselves deal so falsely and untruly with their gods - which yet are no gods indeed! But my people hath given over their high honour, for a thing that may not help them. Be astonished, O ye heavens, be afraid, and abashed at such a thing, sayeth the LORD. For my people hath done two evils: They have forsaken me, the well of the water of life; and digged them pits, yea, vile and broken pits, that hold no water.

Neither destroyed they the Heathen, as the LORD commanded them, but were mingled among the Heathen, and learned their works - insomuch that they worshipped their idols, which turned to their own decay.read more.
Yea, they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils, and shed the innocent blood of their sons and of their daughters; whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan, so that the land was defiled with blood. Thus were they stained with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

And let them no more offer their offerings unto devils, after whom they go an whoring. And this shall be an ordinance forever unto you throughout your generations.'

Therefore will I go unto their heads and rulers, and talk with them: if they know the way of the LORD, and the judgments of our God." But these, in like manner, have broken the yoke, and burst the bonds in sunder. Wherefore a lion out of the wood shall hurt them, and a wolf in the evening shall destroy them. The cat of the mountain shall lie lurking by their cities, to tare in pieces all them that come thereout. For their offenses are many, and their departing away is great. "Should I then, for all this, have mercy upon thee? Thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods. And albeit they were bound to me in marriage, yet they fell to adultery, and hunted harlots' houses.

But in any wise, rebel not against the LORD. Moreover fear ye not the people of the land, for they are but bread for us. Their shield is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not therefore." And all the whole multitude bade stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of witness, unto all the children of Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, "How long shall this people rail upon me, and how long will it be, yer they believe me, for all my signs which I have showed among them?read more.
I will smite them with the pestilence and destroy them, and will make of thee a greater nation and a mightier than they."

I know Ephraim well enough, and Israel is not hid from me: for Ephraim is become a harlot, and Israel is defiled. They are not minded to turn unto their God, for they have an whorish heart, so that they cannot know the LORD.

For when ye have stolen, murdered, committed adultery and penury; When ye have offered unto Baal, following strange and unknown gods; Then come ye, and stand before me in this house, which hath my name given unto it, and say 'Tush, we are absolved quite, though we have done all these abominations.' What? Think you this house that beareth my name, is a den of thieves? And these things are not done privily, but before mine eyes, sayeth the LORD.read more.
Go to my place in Shiloh, whereunto I gave my name afore time, and look well what I did to the same place for the wickedness of my people of Israel. And now, though ye have done all these deeds, sayeth the LORD, and I myself rose up ever betimes to warn you and to commune with you, yet would ye not hear me: I called, ye would not answer. And therefore even as I have done to Shiloh, so will I do to this house that my name is given unto, and that ye put your trust in: yea, unto the place that I have given to you and your fathers. And I shall thrust you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren the whole seed of Ephraim.

For the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God which brought them out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and feared other gods. And they walked in the ordinance of the heathen which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel, and in the things which the kings of Israel had made. And the children of Israel wrapped themselves in things that were not well toward the LORD their God. And they built them Hill altars in all their cities, both in the towers where they kept watch and also in the strong towns.read more.
And they made them images and groves on every high hill and under every green tree. And there they sacrificed in the Hill altars, as did the heathen which the LORD carried away at their coming, and wrought wicked deeds, to anger the LORD withal. And they served Idols, whereof the LORD had said to them, "Ye shall not do so." And the LORD testified to Israel and to Judah, by all the prophets and by all the seers, saying, "Turn from your wicked ways and keep my commandments and mine ordinances according to all the laws which I commanded your fathers, and as I sent to you by my servants the prophets." Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the necks of their fathers that did not believe the LORD their God. And they refused his ordinances and his covenant that he had made with their fathers, and the witness which he had witnessed to them and followed vanity and became vain, like to the heathen that were round about them, of which the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. But they left the commandments of the LORD their God and made them Images of metal, even two calves: and made groves and bowed themselves unto all the Host of heaven, and served Baal. And they sacrificed their sons and their daughters in fire, and used witchcraft and enchantments, and were sold to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, for to anger him. Wherefore the LORD was exceeding wroth with Israel and put them out of his sight, that there was left but the tribe of Judah only. And thereto Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the ordinances of Israel which they had made. Therefore the LORD cast up all the seed of Israel and vexed them and delivered them into the hands of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

And your children, which ye said should be a prey: them I will bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have refused, and your carcases shall lie in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in this wilderness forty years and suffer for your whoredom until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness,read more.
after the number of the days in which ye searched out the land forty days, and every day a year: so that they shall bear your unrighteousness forty years, and ye shall feel my vengeance. I, the LORD, have said that I will do it unto all this evil congregation that are gathered together against me: even in this wilderness ye shall be consumed, and here ye shall die."

Would God that I had a cottage somewhere far from folk, that I might leave my people, and go from them: for they be all adulterers and a shrinking sort.

And the LORD said unto Moses, "Behold, thou must sleep with thy fathers, and this people will go a whoring after strange gods of the land whither they go and will forsake me and break the covenant which I have made with them. And then my wrath will wax hot against them, and I will forsake them and will hide my face from them, and they shall be consumed. And when much adversity and tribulation is come upon them, then they will say, 'Because our God is not among us, these tribulations are come upon us.' But I will hide my face that same time for all the evil's sake which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto strange gods.

First, when the LORD spake unto Hosea, he said unto him, "Go thy way, take a harlot to thy wife, and get children by her: for the land hath committed great whoredom against the LORD."

Thus sayeth the LORD, "Cursed be the man that putteth his trust in man, and that taketh flesh for his arm: and he, whose heart departeth from the LORD. He shall be like the heath that groweth in the wilderness. As for the good thing that is for to come, he shall not see it: but dwell in a dry place of the wilderness, in a salt and unoccupied land."

Because the land is full of adulterers, wherethrough it is destroyed and mourneth, and the pleasant pastures of the desert are dried up. Yea the way that men take is wicked, and their governance is nothing like the holy word of the LORD. "For the prophets and the priests themselves are polluted hypocrites, and their wickedness have I found in my house, sayeth the LORD. Wherefore, their way shall be slippery in the darkness, wherein they may stagger and fall. For I will bring a plague upon them, even the year of their visitation, sayeth the LORD.read more.
I have seen folly among the Prophets of Samaria, that they preached for Baal, and deceived my people of Israel. I have seen also among the Prophets of Jerusalem foul adultery, and presumptuous lies. They take the most shameful men by the hand, flattering them, so that they cannot return from their wickedness. All these with their citizens are, unto me, as Sodom and as the inhabiters of Gomorrah." Therefore thus sayeth the LORD of Hosts concerning the prophets, "Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall. For from the prophets of Jerusalem is the sickness of hypocrisy come into all the land."

"And Israel waxed fat, and kicked. Thou wast fat, thick and smooth. And he let God go, that made him; and despised the rock that saved him. They angered him with strange gods, and with abominations provoked him. They offered unto field-devils and not to God; and to gods which they knew not; and to new gods that came newly up, which their fathers feared not.read more.
Of the rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgot God that made thee. And when the LORD saw it, he was angry because of the provoking of his sons and daughters. And he said, 'I will hide my face from them and will see what their end shall be. For they are a froward generation, and children in whom is no faith. They have angered me with that which is no god; and provoked me with their vanities. And I, again, will anger them with them which are no people, and will provoke them with a foolish nation.

How long wilt thou go astray, O thou shrinking daughter? For the LORD will work a new thing upon earth: A woman shall compass a man.

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hands. Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,

But within a while they forgot his works, and would not abide his counsel. A lust came upon them in the wilderness, so that they tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their desire, but sent leanness withal into their soul.read more.
They angered Moses in the tents, and Aaron the saint of the LORD. So the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the congregation of Abiram. The fire was kindled in their company; the flame burnt up the ungodly. They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Thus they turned their glory into the similitude of a calf, that eateth hay. They forgot God their Savior, which had done so great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and fearful things in the reed sea. So he said he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in that gap; to turn away his wrathful indignation, lest he should destroy them. Yea, they thought scorn of that pleasant land, and gave no credence unto his word, but murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD. Then lift he up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness, to cast out their seed among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. They joined themselves unto Baal-Peor, and ate the offerings of the dead. Thus they provoked him unto anger with their own inventions; and the plague was great among them. Then stood up Phinehas, and executed justice; and so the plague ceased. And that was counted unto him for righteousness, among all posterities for evermore. They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that he punished Moses for their sakes, because they provoked his spirit, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips.

so long as it is said, "Today if ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as when ye provoked." For some, when they heard, rebelled: howbeit, not all that came out of Egypt under Moses. But with whom was he displeased forty years? Was he not displeased with them that sinned: whose carcasses were overthrown in the desert?read more.
To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but unto them that believed not? And we see that they could not enter in, because of unbelief.

And they that escape from you, shall think upon me among the Heathen, where they shall be in captivity. As for that whorish and unfaithful heart of theirs, wherewith they run away from me, I will break it: Yea, and put out those eyes of theirs, that committed fornication with their idols. Then shall they be ashamed, and displeased with their selves, for the wickedness and abominations, which they have done:

"'But thou hast put confidence in thine own beauty, and played the harlot, when thou hadst gotten thee a name. Thou hast committed whoredom with all that went by thee, and hast fulfilled their desires: Yea, thou hast taken thy garments of divers colors, and decked thine altars therewith, whereupon thou mightest fulfill thine whoredom, of such a fashion as never was done, nor shall be. The goodly ornaments and Jewels which I gave thee of mine own gold and silver, hast thou taken, and made thee men's images thereof, and committed whoredom withal.read more.
Thy garments of divers colors hast thou taken, and decked them therewith: mine oil and incense hast thou set before them. My meat which I gave thee, as simnels, oil and honey to feed thee withal, that hast thou set before them, for a sweet savour. And this came also to pass, sayeth the LORD God. Thou hast taken thine own sons and daughters, whom thou hast begotten unto me: and these hast thou offered up to them, to be their meat. Is this but a small whoredom of thine, thinkest thou, that thou slayest my children, and givest them over to be burnt unto them? And yet in all thy abominations and whoredom, thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth:, how naked and bare thou wast at that time, and trodden down in thine own blood. After all these thy wickednesses, woe, woe unto thee, sayeth the LORD. Thou hast builded thy stews and brothel houses in every place: yea, at the head of every street hast thou builded thee an altar. Thou hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, thou hast laid out thy legs to every one that came by, and multiplied thine whoredom. Thou hast committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, which had much flesh: and thus hast thou used thine whoredom to anger me. Behold, I will stretch out mine hand over thee, and will diminish thy store of food, and deliver thee over into the wiles of the Philistines thine enemies, which are ashamed of thy abominable way. Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, which might not satisfy thee. Yea, thou hast played the harlot, and not had enough. Thus hast thou still committed thy fornication from the land of Canaan unto the Chaldeans, and yet thy lust not satisfied. How should I circumcise thine heart, sayeth the LORD God, seeing thou doest all these things, thou precious whore? Building thy stews at the head of every street, and thy brothel houses in all places? Thou hast not been as another whore, that maketh boast of her winning; but as a wife that breaketh wedlock, and taketh other instead of her husband. Gifts are given to all other whores, but thou givest rewards unto all thy lovers; and offerest them gifts, to come unto thee out of all places and to commit fornication with thee. It is come to pass with thee in thy whoredoms, contrary to the use of other women: yea, there hath no such fornication been committed after thee, seeing that thou profferest gifts unto other, and no regard is given thee. This is a contrary thing. "'Therefore hear the word of the LORD, O thou harlot. Thus sayeth the LORD God: Forsomuch as thou hast spent thy money, and discovered thy shame - through thy whoredom with all thy lovers, and with all the Idols of thy abominations, in the blood of thy children whom thou hast given them - Behold therefore, I will gather together all thy lovers, unto whom thou hast made thy self common. Yea, and all them whom thou favourest, and euery one that thou hatest: and will uncover thy shame before them, that they all may see thy filthiness. Moreover, I will judge thee as a breaker of wedlock and a murderer, and recompense thee thine own blood in wrath and jealousy. I will give thee over into their power, that shall break down thy stews, and destroy thy brothel houses: they shall strip thee out of thy clothes, all thy fair and beautiful Jewels shall they take from thee, and so let thee sit naked and bare. Yea, they shall bring the common people upon thee, which shall stone thee, and slay thee down with their swords. They shall burn up thy houses, and punish thee in the sight of many women. Thus will I make thy whoredom to cease, so that thou shalt give out no more rewards. Should I make my wrath to be still, take my jealousy from thee, be content, and no more to be displeased?

We have sinned, we have offended, we have been disobedient and gone back: yea, we have departed from all thy precepts and judgments. We would never follow thy servants the Prophets, that spake in thy name to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, and to all the people of the land. O LORD righteousness belongeth unto thee; unto us pertaineth nothing but open shame: as it is come to pass this day unto every man of Judah, and to them that dwell at Jerusalem. Yea, unto all Israel, whether they be far or nigh, throughout all lands wherein thou hast strawed them, because of the offenses that they had done against thee.read more.
Yea O LORD: Unto us, to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, even to us all that have offended thee, belongeth open shame. But unto thee O LORD our God, pertaineth mercy and forgiveness. As for us, we are gone back from him, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he laid before us by his servants the Prophets. Yea, all Israel have transgressed, and gone back from thy law, so that they have not hearkened unto thy voice. Wherefore the curse and oath, that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, against whom we have offended, is poured upon us. And he hath performed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us: to bring upon us such a great plague, as never was under heaven, like as it is now come to pass in Jerusalem. Yea, all this plague, as it is written in the law of Moses, is come upon us. Yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn again from our wickedness, and to be learned in thy verity. Therefore hath the LORD made haste, to bring this plague upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doth. For why? We would not hearken unto his voice.