1. Two adulterous sisters (1-35)

This chapter repeats from chapter 16 Jerusalem's adultery and prostitution, which represent idolatry, unfaithfulness to God, and relying on godless nations. Their unfaithfulness began in Egypt. Samaria (i.e. northern Israel) is described as her adulterous older sister. When Samaria turned away from God, God gave her over to her Assyrian lovers (9). Jerusalem did not learn from this, but defiled herself with Assyria, Chaldea and Babylonia. Relying on other nations was like turning to other lovers. God would punish them severely in his jealous anger (24-25). They would drink ruin and destruction (33).

2. The consequences of sin (36-49)

Their real problem was that they forgot God and turned their backs on him (35). So they sinned in many ways (36-39). They would suffer awful consequences of their sins (49). People need to know that the Lord is sovereign.