Righteousness departed, and now corruption and depravity abode in its place. The city of saints had become a city of murderers and reprobates. Hosea (ch. 6:9) presents a similar picture: “As troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way.” Travelers on the highways and sojourners in the cities were exposed to outrage and murder, and this in a land where the people professed holiness and engaged in a great display of religion.

 Zion, once the faithful city, has become faithless. Once the true wife of Jehovah, she has now turned from Him and given herself to others. She has become a harlot. Hosea uses the same figure (ch. 2), as do also Jeremiah (ch. 2:20, 21) and Ezekiel (ch. 16). The experience of Israel shows the depths to which men may fall. Once pure and upright, chosen of God and loved by Him, Israel departed far from God and from the ways of righteousness. Once true and obedient, holy and upright, Israel became vile and corrupt, a startling example of the terrible fruitage of unfaithfulness to God.