5 So I used the words of my prophets to cut you in pieces. I used my words to put you to death. When I judged you, I struck you like lightning.
6 I want mercy and not sacrifice. I want you to recognize me as God instead of bringing me burnt offerings.
7 Just as Adam disobeyed me, you have broken the covenant I made with you. You were not faithful to me in the land I gave you.
8 Ramoth Gilead is a city where sinful people live. It is stained with footprints of blood.
9 On the road to Shechem, groups of priests act like robbers. They hide and wait to attack people. They murder them and commit other shameful crimes.
10 People of Israel, I have seen a horrible thing in your land. People of Ephraim, you have joined yourselves to other gods. You have made yourselves 'unclean.'
11 "People of Judah, I have appointed a time for you to be destroyed. "My people, I would like to bless you with great success again."