7. When they sow the wind,they will reap the whirlwind;The stalk of grain that forms no headcan yield no flour;Even if it could,strangers would swallow it.
8. Israel is swallowed up;now they are among the nations,like a useless vessel.
9. For they went up to Assyria—a wild ass off on its own—Ephraim bargained for lovers.
10. Even though they bargain with the nations,I will now gather them together;They will soon succumbunder the burden of king and princes.
11. When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin,they became altars for sinning.
12. Though I write for him my many instructions,they are considered like a stranger’s.