The Lord's Relentless Judgment on Israel
1
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; 1he was exalted in Israel, but he incurred guilt 2through Baal and died.
2
And now they sin more and more, and 3make for themselves metal images, idols skillfully made of their silver, 4all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, "Those who offer human sacrifice 5kiss calves!"
3
Therefore they shall be 6like the morning mist or 7like the dew that goes early away, 8like the chaff that swirls from the threshing floor or 9like smoke from a window.
4
But 10I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; 11you know no God but me, and 12besides me there is no savior.
6
14but when they had grazed,a they became full, 15they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; 16therefore they forgot me.
8
I will fall upon them 19like a bear robbed of her cubs; I will tear open their breast, and there I will devour them like a lion, 20as a wild beast would rip them open.
10
22Where now is your king, to save you in all your cities? Where are all your rulers-- those of whom 23you said, "Give me a king and princes"?
13
28The pangs of childbirth come for him, but he is an unwise son, for at the right time he does not present himself 29at the opening of the womb.
14
30Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? 31Shall I redeem them from Death? 32O 33Death, where are your plagues? 34O 35Sheol, where is your sting? 36Compassion is hidden from my eyes.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)