4 They speak mere words,swearing falselyin making a covenant.Thus judgment springs up like a poisonous plantin the furrows of the field.
5 The inhabitants of Samaria fearbecause of the calf of Beth Aven.For its people mourn for it,and its priests shriek for it,because its glory has departed from it.
6 It will be carried to Assyriaas a tribute to King Jareb.Ephraim shall be put to shame,and Israel shall be ashamed of his idol.
7 As for Samaria, her king will perishlike a twig on the water.
8 The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel,will be destroyed.Thorn and thistle will growon their altars.They will say to the mountains, Cover us,and to the hills, Fall on us.
9 O Israel, you have sinned since the days of Gibeah.There they have continued.Will not the war in Gibeah against evildoersovertake them?
10 When I desire, I will punish them.The nations will be gathered against themwhen they are disciplined for their two transgressions.