1. You were a healthy vinecovered with grapes.But the more grapes you grew,the more altars you built;the better off you became,the better shrines you set upfor pagan gods.
2. You are deceitful and disloyal.So you will payfor your sins,because the Lord will destroyyour altars and images.
3. “We don't have a king,”you will say.“We don't fear the Lord.And what good are kings?”
4. Israel, you break treatiesand don't keep promises;you turn justiceinto poisonous weedswhere healthy plants should grow.
5. All who live in Samaria tremblewith concern for the idolsat sinful Bethel.The idol there was the prideof the priests,but it has been put to shame;now everyone will cry.
6. It will be taken to Assyriaand given to the great king.Then Israel will be disgracedfor worshipping that idol.
7. Like a twig in a stream,the king of Samariawill be swept away.
8. The altars at sinful Bethelwill be destroyedfor causing Israel to sin;they will be overgrownwith thorns and thistles.Then everyone will begthe mountains and hillsto cover and protect them.
9. Israel, you have neverstopped sinningsince that time at Gibeah.That's why youwill be attacked at Gibeah.
10. Your sins have doubled,and you are rebellious.Now I have decidedto send nations to attackand put you in chains.
11. Once you were obedientlike a calfthat loved to thresh grain.But I will put a harnesson your powerful neck;you and Judah must ploughand cultivate the ground.
12. Plough your fields,scatter seeds of justice,and harvest faithfulness.Worship me, the Lord,and I will send my saving powerdown like rain.
13. You have planted evil,harvested injustice, and eatenthe fruit of your lies.You trusted your own strengthand your powerful forces.
14. So war will break out,and your fortresseswill be destroyed.Your enemies will do to youwhat Shalman did to the peopleof Beth-Arbel—mothers and their childrenwill be beaten to deathagainst rocks.
15. Bethel, this will be your fatebecause of your evil.Israel, at dawn your kingwill be killed.