2. Look, the sovereign master sends a strong, powerful one.With the force of a hailstorm or a destructive windstorm,with the might of a driving, torrential rainstorm,he will knock that crown to the ground with his hand.
3. The splendid crown of Ephraim’s drunkardswill be trampled underfoot.
4. The withering flower, its beautiful splendor,situated at the head of a rich valley, will be like an early fig before harvest – as soon as someone notices it,he grabs it and swallows it.
5. At that time the Lord who commands armies will become a beautiful crown and a splendid diadem for the remnant of his people.
6. He will give discernment to the one who makes judicial decisions,and strength to those who defend the city from attackers.
7. Even these men stagger because of wine,they stumble around because of beer – priests and prophets stagger because of beer,they are confused because of wine,they stumble around because of beer;they stagger while seeing prophetic visions,they totter while making legal decisions.
8. Indeed, all the tables are covered with vomit;no place is untouched.
9. Who is the Lord trying to teach?To whom is he explaining a message?Those just weaned from milk!Those just taken from their mother’s breast!