5. City of Samaria, I'm angrybecause of your idolin the shape of a calf.When will you everbe innocent again?
6. Someone from Israel builtthat idol for you,but only I am God.And so it will be smashedto pieces.
7. If you scatter windinstead of wheat,you will harvest a whirlwindand have no wheat.Even if you harvest grain,enemies will steal it all.
8. Israel, you are ruined,and now the nationsconsider you worthless.
9. You are like a wild donkeythat goes its own way.You've run off to Assyriaand hired them as allies.
10. You can bargain with nations,but I'll catch you anyway.Soon you will suffer abuseby kings and rulers.
11. Israel, you have builtmany altars where you offersacrifices for sin.But these altars have becomeplaces for sin.
12. My instructions for sacrificeswere written in detail,but you ignored them.
13. You sacrifice your best animalsand eat the sacrificial meals,but I, the Lord,refuse your offerings.I will remember your sinsand punish you.Then you will return to Egypt.
14. Israel, I created you,but you forgot me.You and Judah built palacesand many strong cities.Now I will send fire to destroyyour towns and fortresses.