1. Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit.According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars.As their land has prospered, they have adorned their sacred stones.
2. Their heart is divided.Now they will be found guilty.He will demolish their altars.He will destroy their sacred stones.
3. Surely now they will say, “We have no king; for we don’t fear the Lord;and the king, what can he do for us?”
4. They make promises, swearing falsely in making covenants.Therefore judgement springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.
5. The inhabitants of Samaria will be in terror for the calves of Beth Aven;for its people will mourn over it,Along with its priests who rejoiced over it,for its glory, because it has departed from it.
6. It also will be carried to Assyria for a present to a great king.Ephraim will receive shame,and Israel will be ashamed of his own counsel.
7. Samaria and her king float away,like a twig on the water.
8. The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed.The thorn and the thistle will come up on their altars.They will tell the mountains, “Cover us!” and the hills, “Fall on us!”