8 The altars at sinful Bethelwill be destroyedfor causing Israel to sin;they will be grown overwith thorns and thistles.Then everyone will begthe mountains and hillsto cover and protect them.
9 Israel, you have neverstopped sinningsince that time at Gibeah.That's why youwill be attacked at Gibeah.
10 Your sins have doubled,and you are rebellious.Now I have decidedto send nations to attackand put you in chains.
11 Once you were obedientlike a calfthat loved to thresh grain.But I will put a harnesson your beautiful neck;you and Judah must plowand cultivate the ground.
12 Plow your fields,scatter seeds of justice,and harvest faithfulness.Worship me, the Lord,and I will send my saving powerdown like rain.
13 You have planted evil,harvested injustice, and eatenthe fruit of your lies.You trusted your own strengthand your powerful forces.
14 So war will break out,and your fortresseswill be destroyed.Your enemies will do to youwhat Shalman did to the peopleof Beth-Arbel—mothers and their childrenwill be beaten to deathagainst rocks.