2 One generation after anotherhas set up pagan altarsand worshiped the goddess Asheraheverywhere in your country—on hills and mountains,and under large trees.
3 So I'll take everything you own,including your altars,and give it allto your enemies.
4 You will lose the landthat I gave you,and I will make you slavesin a foreign country,because you have made my angerblaze up like a firethat won't stop burning.
5 I, the Lord, have put a curseon those who turn from meand trust in human strength.
6 They will dry up like a bushin salty desert soil,where nothing can grow.
7 But I will bless thosewho trust me, the Lord.
8 They will be like treesgrowing beside a stream—trees with roots that reachdown to the water,and with leavesthat are always green.They bear fruit every yearand are never worriedby a lack of rain.