9 Israel, you are done for.Don't expect help from me.
10 You wanted a king and rulers.Where is your king now?What cities have rulers?
11 In my anger, I gave you a king;in my fury, I took him away.
12 Israel, your terrible sinsare written downand stored away.
13 You are like a senseless childwho refuses to be bornat the proper time.
14 Should I, the Lord, rescue youfrom death and the grave?No! I call death and the graveto strike you like a plague.I refuse to show mercy.
15 No matter how much you prospermore than the other tribes,I, the Lord, will wipe you out,just as a scorching desert winddries up streams of water.I will take awayyour precious treasures.