8. The Lord will settle his argument with Israel by sending it far away.Like a hot desert wind, he will drive Israel away.
9. This is how Israel’s guilt will be forgiven.This is how its sins will be taken away.Israel will crush the rocks of the altar to dust.No statues or altars will be left standing for the Asherah idols.
10. At that time the strong, walled city will be empty.It will be like a desert.Calves will eat grass there.They will lie down there.They will eat leaves from the branches.
11. The limbs will become dry and break off.Women will use them for firewood.The people refuse to understand.So God will not comfort them.Their Maker will not be kind to them.
12. At that time the Lord will begin gathering his people one by one. He will gather all his people from the Euphrates River to the brook of Egypt. He will separate them from others as grain is separated from chaff.