Chapter 10
1 Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit . According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars . As their land has prospered , they have adorned their sacred stones.
2 Their heart is divided . Now they will be found guilty. He will demolish their altars . He will destroy their sacred stones.
3 Surely now they will say, " We have no king ; for we don’t fear the LORD ; and the king , what can he do for us ?"
4 They make promises , swearing falsely in making covenants . Therefore judgement springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field .
5 The inhabitants of Samaria will be in terror for the calves of Beth Aven, for its people will mourn over it , along with its priests who rejoiced over it , for its glory , because it has departed from it .
6 It also will be carried to Assyria for a present to a great king . Ephraim will receive shame , and Israel will be ashamed of his own counsel .
7 Samaria and her king float away like a twig on the water .
8 The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel , will be destroyed . The thorn and the thistle will come up on their altars . They will tell the mountains , " Cover us !" and the hills , " Fall on us !"
9 " Israel , you have sinned from the days of Gibeah . There they remained . The battle against the children of iniquity doesn’t overtake them in Gibeah .
10 When it is my desire, I will chastise them ; and the nations will be gathered against them when they are bound to their two transgressions.
11 Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh , so I will put a yoke on her beautiful neck . I will set a rider on Ephraim. Judah will plough. Jacob will break his clods .
12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness , reap according to kindness . Break up your fallow ground , for it is time to seek the LORD , until he comes and rains righteousness on you .
13 You have ploughed wickedness . You have reaped iniquity . You have eaten the fruit of lies , for you trusted in your way , in the multitude of your mighty men .
14 Therefore a battle roar will arise amongst your people , and all your fortresses will be destroyed , as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle . The mother was dashed in pieces with her children .
15 So Bethel will do to you because of your great wickedness . At daybreak the king of Israel will be destroyed .