God Condemns Idolatry

God calls the rebellious near as children of sorcery and adultery, then confronts their mocking scorn and their burning lust beneath sacred trees. Their depravity is laid bare in the slaughter of children in the valleys and in their devotion to the smooth stones of the ravines, where they pour out offerings to gods that cannot save.

“³But come here, you sons of a sorceress, ⁴Whom are you mocking? ⁵who burn with lust among the oaks, ⁶Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley;

The people set their bed on lofty mountains, placing memorials behind doors and thresholds and uncovering themselves for lovers other than the LORD. They send themselves to kings with oil and multiplied perfumes, descending even to Sheol in pursuit of power and desire, and though the journey exhausts them, they refuse to admit despair because their corrupt passions still feel alive to them.

⁷On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, ⁸Behind the door and doorpost ⁹You went to Molech with oil ¹⁰You are wearied by your many journeys,

The LORD asks whom they feared so much that they lied and forgot Him, exposing that His long silence had not produced reverence but presumption. He will declare their supposed righteousness and works to be useless, and when they cry out, the idols they gathered will be swept away by the wind, while the one who takes refuge in the LORD will inherit the land and possess His holy mountain.

¹¹Whom have you dreaded and feared, ¹²I will expose your righteousness and your works, ¹³When you cry out,