“For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?”
Hosea 4:16 (BSB)
Context Reading
14I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin. 15Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ 16For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow? 17Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! 18When their liquor is gone, they turn to prostitution; their rulers dearly love disgrace.