8 The people of Ephraim mix with the nations. They are like a flat cake that is baked on only one side.
9 People from other lands make them weaker and weaker. But they don't realize it. Their hair is becoming gray. But they don't even notice it.
10 The pride of Israel witnesses that they are guilty. But in spite of everything, they don't return to the Lord their God. They don't go to him for help.
11 The Lord says, "The people of Ephraim are like a dove. They are easily tricked. They do not have any sense at all. First they call out to Egypt for help. Then they turn to Assyria.
12 When they send for help, I will throw my net over them. I will capture them like birds of the air. I will punish them, just as I warned them I would.
13 How terrible it will be for them! They have wandered away from me. So they will be destroyed. They have refused to obey me. I long to save them. But they tell lies about me.
14 They do not cry out to me from their hearts. Instead, they just lie on their beds and sob. They cut themselves when they pray to Baal for grain and fresh wine. So they turn away from me.