The people of Judah committed spiritual adultery as they turned away from God. They acted like a prostitute giving themselves to foreign gods (20). They were like unfruitful useless vines (21), stained clothes that could not be washed with soap (22), and animals in heat running after mates (23).

The people of Israel were disgraced as she tried to save herself by turning to Assyria and Egypt (26). As they turned to their gods made of stone and wood, they also thought other kings would help them out of trouble. They turned away from God's grace and ignored his punishment (30). Then what was the result? They were disappointed by Egypt and Assyria. Salvation could not be found in those places where God did not dwell (37).

By the Mosaic Law, a woman who had left her husband and married another man could not return to her first husband later (3:1). The people of Judah took God's grace for granted (4). But it was not something they could demand. They had to humbly repent and turn away from their way of evil (5).


Application: Father, please forgive me for my sins for turning away from you and seeking comfort elsewhere. Please accept my humble prayer as I come to you with a broken heart. I want to find comfort and peace as I live in your will.
One Word: Trust none other than the Lord.