9. People have deeply corrupted themselves as they once did at Gibeah.God will remember their wickednessand punish them because of their sins.
10. ⌊The Lord said,⌋ “When I found Israel,it was like finding grapes in the desert.When I saw your ancestors,it was like seeing the first figs of the harvest.But they went to Baal Peor and worshiped shameful idols.They became as disgusting as the things they worshiped.
11. “Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird.There will be no more pregnancies, births, or babies.
12. Even if they bring up children,I will take those children away before they grow up.Yes, how horrible it will be for them when I leave them.
13. I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place.But the people of Ephraim will bring out their childrento be killed.”
14. Lord, give them what they deserve.Make the women miscarry,or else make them unable to nurse their babies.
15. “All Ephraim’s wickedness began in Gilgal; I hated the people there.I will force them out of my temple because of their wickedness,and I won’t love them anymore.All their officials are rebellious.
16. “The people of Ephraim are like sick plants.Their roots are dried up.They have no fruit.Even if they were to have children,I would kill their dear children.”
17. My God will reject thembecause they refused to listen to him.They will wander among the nations.