1Israel is an emptyvine, he bringeth forthfruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodlyimages.
2
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
3
For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a kingdo to us?
4
They have spokenwords, swearingfalsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
5
The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
6
It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to kingJareb: Ephraim shall receiveshame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
7
As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foamupon the water.
8
The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
9
O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
10
It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their twofurrows.
11
And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fairneck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.
12Sow to yourselves inrighteousness, reapinmercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rainrighteousness upon you.
13
Ye have plowedwickedness, ye have reapediniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.
14
Therefore shall a tumultarise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as ShalmanspoiledBetharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
15So shall Betheldo unto you because of your greatwickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israelutterly be cut off.