4. For thus says Adonai to the house of Israel: “Seek Me, and live!
5. But do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not cross over to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to trouble.
6. Seek Adonai, and live— lest He rush like fire through the house of Joseph. Yes, it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
7. You who turn justice to wormwood threw righteousness to the ground.
8. He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness to morning. Who darkens the day into night. Who summons the water of the sea and pours it out on the face of the earth —Adonai is His Name.
9. He flashes destruction on the mighty, so destruction will come against a fortress.
10. They despise one who reproves at the gate, so they detest one who speaks with integrity.
11. Therefore, because you trample on the poor, exacting from him a burden of grain, you built houses of hewn stone, but will not dwell in them, you planted pleasant vineyards, but will not drink their wine.
12. For I know your crimes are many and your sins countless— afflicting the righteous, taking bribes, and turning the needy aside at the gate.
13. Therefore the prudent keep silent at such a time —for it is a distressful time.
14. Seek good and not evil, so you may live, and so Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot may be with you —just as you said!
15. Hate evil, love good, maintain justice at the gate. Maybe Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot will extend grace to Joseph’s remnant.