1 People of Israel, listen to the Lord's message. Hear my song of sadness about you. I say,
2 "The people of Israel have fallen. They will never get up again. They are deserted in their own land. No one can lift them up."
3 The Lord and King says, "A thousand soldiers will march out from a city in Israel. But only a hundred will return. A hundred soldiers will march out from a town. But only ten will come back."
4 The Lord speaks to the people of Israel. He says, "Look to me and live.
5 Do not look to Bethel. Do not go to Gilgal. Do not travel to Beersheba. The people of Gilgal will be taken away as prisoners. Nothing will be left of Bethel."
6 Israel , look to the Lord and live. If you don't, he will sweep through the people of Joseph like a fire. It will burn everything up. And Bethel won't have anyone to put it out.