Once upon a time, when Ephraim spoke, everyone trembled. He held a high position in Israel, but he sinned and died while serving Baal.

Now they have committed even more sins, casting idols for themselves with silver, according to their own understanding. It’s all the work of craftsmen, and some argue that those who offer sacrifices can kiss calves.

Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the rapidly dispersing dew, like the chaff on the field blown away by the strong wind, and like smoke rising out of the window.

Since you left the land of Egypt, I have been the Lord your God. You must not know any other gods besides me, there is no savior besides me.

I once met you in the wilderness and arid land.

These people have been satisfied with the food I have given them, and when they are satisfied, their hearts become proud and forget me.

Therefore, I am like a lion to them, and like a leopard lying by the way.

I will meet them like a mother bear that has lost her cubs, tearing open their chests, and there I will devour them like a lioness. Wild beasts will tear them apart.

Israel, you are against me, against those who help you, and you have caused destruction.

Where is your king now that you have asked me to establish a king and a leader? Where is governance for you? Let him save you from all your cities.

In my anger, I bestowed upon you the king, and in my fierce anger, I deposed the king.

The sins of Ephraim are wrapped up, and his sins are collected.

The pain of the parturient will come upon him. He is an unwise son and should not be delayed when it comes to childbirth.

I will redeem them from the underworld, and redeem them from death. Death, where is your disaster? Where is your destruction, O underworld? There is no regret in front of me.

Although he prospers among his brothers, an east wind will come, the wind of the Lord will come up from the wilderness, his springs will dry up, his source will be exhausted, and his enemies will plunder all the treasures he has accumulated.

Samaria will bear her sins because she has rebelled against her God. She will fall by the sword, and the baby will be thrown to death. Pregnant women must be cut open.