8. The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God.
9. They have sunk deep into corruption, as in the days of Gibeah. God will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.
10. “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree. But when they came to Baal Peor, they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved.
11. Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird— no birth, no pregnancy, no conception.
12. Even if they rear children, I will bereave them of every one. Woe to them when I turn away from them!
13. I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place. But Ephraim will bring out their children to the slayer.”
14. Give them, Lord— what will you give them? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that are dry.
15. “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
16. Ephraim is blighted, their root is withered, they yield no fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay their cherished offspring.”