10-13 “Long ago when I came upon Israel,it was like finding grapes out in the desert.When I found your ancestors, it was like findinga fig tree bearing fruit for the first time.But when they arrived at Baal-peor, that pagan shrine,they took to sin like a pig to filth,wallowing in the mud with their newfound friends.Ephraim is fickle and scattered, like a flock of blackbirds,their beauty dissipated in confusion and clamor,Frenetic and noisy, frigid and barren,and nothing to show for it—neither conception nor childbirth.Even if they did give birth, I’d declare themunfit parents and take away their children!Yes indeed—a black day for themwhen I turn my back and walk off!I see Ephraim letting his children run wild.He might just as well take them and kill them outright!”
14 Give it to them, God! But what?Give them a dried-up womb and shriveled breasts.
15-16 “All their evil came out into the openat the pagan shrine at Gilgal. Oh, how I hated them there!Because of their evil practices,I’ll kick them off my land.I’m wasting no more love on them.Their leaders are a bunch of rebellious adolescents.Ephraim is hit hard—roots withered, no more fruit.Even if by some miracle they had children,the dear babies wouldn’t live—I’d make sure of that!”
17 My God has washed his hands of them.They wouldn’t listen.They’re doomed to be wanderers,vagabonds among the godless nations.