8 The prophet, along with my God,is the watchman over Ephraim,yet snares await him on all his paths,and hostility in the house of his God.
9 They have sunk deep into corruption,as in the days of Gibeah.God will remember their wickednessand punish them for their sins.
10 ‘When I found Israel,it was like finding grapes in the desert;when I saw your ancestors,it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig-tree.But when they came to Baal Peor,they consecrated themselves to that shameful idoland became as vile as the thing they loved.
11 Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird –no birth, no pregnancy, no conception.
12 Even if they bring up children,I will bereave them of every one.Woe to themwhen I turn away from them!
13 I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre,planted in a pleasant place.But Ephraim will bring outtheir children to the slayer.’
14 Give them, Lord –what will you give them?Give them wombs that miscarryand breasts that are dry.