1. When Ephraim spoke, trembling,he was exalted in Israel.But he incurred guilt through Baal worship and he died.
2. And now they continue sinningand have made a cast image for themselves,idols of their silver, according to their understanding;all of them the work of craftsmen.They say of them,“Those who sacrificeare kissing calves!”
3. Therefore they will be like the morning cloud,or like the early dew that passes away,like chaff blown off the threshing floor,or like the smoke from a chimney.
4. Yet I am the Lord your Godever since the land of Egypt.You know no God but Me,and there is no savior besides Me.
5. I knew you in the wilderness,in the land of great drought.
6. When they had pasture, they were satisfied.They were satisfied, and their heart was exalted;therefore they forgot Me.
7. So I will be like a lion to them,like a leopard I will lurk by the path.
8. I will attack them like a bear bereaved of her cubs,and will tear open their rib cage.There I will devour them like a lion,as the wild beast would tear them to pieces.
9. O Israel, you are destroyed,but in Me is your help.