1 People used to fear the tribe of Ephraim.They were important people in Israel.But they sinned by worshiping Baal.So they must die.
2 But they keep on sinning more and more.They make idols of their silver.Those idols are cleverly made.They are the work of a craftsman.Yet the people of Israel say to each other,“Kiss those calf idols and sacrifice to them.”
3 So those people will be like the morning dew.They will disappear like the morning mist.They will be like chaff blown from the threshing floor.They will vanish away like smoke rising from a chimney.
4 “I have been the Lord their Godsince they were in the land of Egypt.They have really known no other God except me.I am the one who has saved them.
5 I cared for them in the desertwhere it was hot and dry.
6 I gave them food, and they became full and satisfied.But then they became proud and forgot me.
7 That is why I will be like a lion to them.I will be like a leopard waiting by the road.