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.
11 Ephraim is a trained heiferthat loves to thresh grain,but I harnessed her fair neck;I will make Ephraim pull a plow.Judah will plow;Jacob shall furrow for himself.
12 Sow to yourselves righteousness,reap mercy,break up your fallow ground;for it is time to seek the Lord,until He comesand rains righteousness upon you.
13 You have plowed wickedness.You have reaped iniquity,and you have eaten the fruit of lies.Because you have trusted in your powerand in the numbers of your warriors,
14 therefore a tumult will arise among your people,and all your fortresses will be destroyedas Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle;mothers were dashed to pieces upon their children.