4. Their deeds do not allow themto return to their God;for a spirit of harlotry is in their midst,and they do not know the Lord.
5. The pride of Israel testifies against him.Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity.Judah also stumbles with them.
6. With their flocks and their herds they will goto seek the Lord,but they will not find Him.He has withdrawn from them.
7. They have dealt faithlessly with the Lord,for they have given birth to illegitimate children.Now the New Moon will devour themalong with their portion.
8. Blow the horn in Gibeah,and the trumpet in Ramah.Cry aloud at Beth Aven,“Look behind you, O Benjamin!”
9. Ephraim will become desolatein the day of punishment.Among the tribes of IsraelI make known that which is sure.
10. The princes of Judah have becomelike those who remove a boundary marker.Upon them I will pour outMy wrath like water.
11. Ephraim is oppressedand broken in judgment,because he eagerly followed after vanity.
12. Therefore I will be like pus to Ephraimand like rottenness to the house of Judah.
13. When Ephraim saw his sicknessand Judah saw his wound,then Ephraim went to Assyria,and sent to King Jareb.Yet he cannot cure youor heal your wound.
14. For I will be like a lion to Ephraimand like a young lion to the house of Judah.I, Myself, will tear and go away.I will carry off, and no one will rescue.