1 Put the trumpet to your lips!One like an eagle is over the house of the Lord!Because they have violated my covenant,and rebelled against my law,
2 They cry out to me,“My God! We know you!”
3 But Israel has rejected what is good;the enemy shall pursue him.
4 They made kings, but not by my authority;they established princes, but without my knowledge.With their silver and goldthey made idols for themselves,to their own destruction.
5 He has rejected your calf, Samaria!My wrath is kindled against them;How long will they be incapable of innocencein Israel?
6 An artisan made it,it is no god at all.The calf of Samariawill be dashed to pieces.
7 When they sow the wind,they will reap the whirlwind;The stalk of grain that forms no headcan yield no flour;Even if it could,strangers would swallow it.
8 Israel is swallowed up;now they are among the nations,like a useless vessel.
9 For they went up to Assyria—a wild ass off on its own—Ephraim bargained for lovers.
10 Even though they bargain with the nations,I will now gather them together;They will soon succumbunder the burden of king and princes.
11 When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin,they became altars for sinning.
12 Though I write for him my many instructions,they are considered like a stranger’s.
13 They love sacrifice,they sacrifice meat and eat it,but the Lord is not pleased with them.Now he will remember their guiltand punish their sins;they shall return to Egypt.
14 Israel has forgotten his makerand has built palaces.Judah, too, has fortified many cities,but I will send fire upon his cities,to devour their strongholds.