1. Israel is a lush vine; it yields fruit for itself.The more his fruit increased,the more he increased the altars. The better his land produced,the better they made the sacred pillars.
2. Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars.
3. In fact, they are now saying,“We have no king!For we do not fear the Lord. What can a king do for us? ”
4. They speak mere words,taking false oaths while making covenants. So lawsuits break outlike poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field.
5. The residents of Samaria will have anxietyover the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its idolatrous priests rejoiced over it;the people will mourn over it,over its glory. It will certainly depart from them.
6. The calf itself will be taken to Assyria as an offering to the great king. Ephraim will experience shame; Israel will be ashamed of its counsel.
7. Samaria’s king will disappear like foam on the surface of the water.
8. The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed;thorns and thistles will grow over their altars. They will say to the mountains, “Cover us! ”and to the hills, “Fall on us! ”
9. Israel, you have sinnedsince the days of Gibeah; they have taken their stand there.Will not war against the unjustovertake them in Gibeah?
10. I will discipline them at My discretion; nations will be gathered against themto put them in bondage for their two crimes.
11. Ephraim is a well-trained calf that loves to thresh,but I will place a yoke on her fine neck. I will harness Ephraim; Judah will plow;Jacob will do the final plowing.
12. Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love;break up your unplowed ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousnesson you like the rain.