1
Israel is an empty vine; he bringeth forth fruit unto himself; according to the multitude of his fruit, he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land, they have made goodly images.
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 king do to us?
4
They have spoken words, swearing falsely 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 Beth-aven; 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 also be carried unto Assyria for a present to King Jareb; Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
7
As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon 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 two furrows.
11
And Ephraim is as a heifer that is taught and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck; I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.
12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
13
Ye have plowed wickedness; ye have reaped iniquity; 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 tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled as Shalman spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battle; the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
15
So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness; in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.