4 You speak words about a useless vision, and you will strike a deal. And judgment will spring up like bitterness in the furrows of the field.
5 The inhabitants of Samaria have worshipped the calf of Bethaven. For the keepers of its temple, who had exulted over it in its glory, and its people, have mourned over it because it migrated from there.
6 If, indeed, it also has been offered to Assur, as a gift for the Avenging king, confusion will seize Ephraim, and Israel will be confounded by his own will.
7 Samaria has required her king to pass by, like foam on the face of the water.
8 And the heights of the idol, the sin of Israel, will be utterly destroyed. The burr and the thistle will rise up over their altars. And they will say to the mountains, 'Cover us,' and to the hills, 'Fall on us.'
9 From the days of Gibeah, Israel has sinned; in this, they remained firm. The battle in Gibeah against the sons of iniquity will not take hold of them.
10 According to my desire, I will correct them. And the peoples will be gathered together over them, while they are chastised for their two iniquities.