⁸ I^[a] observed that it was because unfaithful Israel had committed adultery that I had sent her away and had given her a certificate of divorce.^(A) Nevertheless, her treacherous sister Judah was not afraid but also went and prostituted herself.^{(B) 9} Indifferent to^[b] her prostitution, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones^(C) and trees.^{(D) 10} Yet in spite of all this, her treacherous sister Judah didn’t return to me with all her heart^(E)—only in pretense.”

This is the Lord’s declaration.

¹¹ The Lord announced to me, “Unfaithful Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.^(F)

⁵¹ But Samaria did not commit even half your sins. You have multiplied your detestable practices beyond theirs and made your sisters appear righteous by all the detestable acts you have committed.