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 still keep on sinning more and more.They make idols of their silver,idols that are cleverly made,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 mist;they will disappear like the morning dew.They will be like chaff blown from the threshing floor,like smoke going out a window.
4 “I, the Lord, have been your Godsince you were in the land of Egypt.You should have known no other God except me.I am the only one who saves.
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 too proud and forgot me.
7 That is why I will be like a lion to them,like a leopard waiting by the road.