9. They don't seem to realizehow weak and feeble they are;their hair has turned grey,while foreigners rule.
10. I am the Lord, their God,but in all their troublestheir pride keeps themfrom returning to me.
11. Israel is a senseless bird,fluttering back and forthbetween Egypt and Assyria.
12. But I will catch them in a netas hunters trap birds;I threatened to punish them,and indeed I will.
13. Trouble and destructionwill be their rewardfor rejecting me.I would have rescued them,but they told me lies.
14. They don't really pray to me;they just howl in their beds.They have rejected me for Baaland slashed themselves,in the hope that Baalwill bless their crops.
15. I taught them what they know,and I made them strong.Now they plot against me
16. and refuse to obey.They are more uselessthan a crooked arrow.Their leaders will die in warfor saying foolish things.Egyptians will laugh at them.