1. Israel is an empty vine, he brings forth fruit for himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he has increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made beautiful images.
2. Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall lay waste their images.
3. For now they shall say, We have no king, because we did not fear the LORD; what then would a king do for us?
4. They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.
5. The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced over it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
6. It shall be also carried to Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
7. As for Samaria, her king is cut off like the foam upon the water.
8. The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
9. O Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
10. It is my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.
11. And Ephraim is like a heifer that is taught, and loves to tread out the grain; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break up his ground.
12. Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he comes and rains righteousness upon you.
13. You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped iniquity; you have eaten the fruit of lies: because you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty men.
14. Therefore shall a tumult arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be laid waste, as Shalman laid waste Beth-arbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
15. So shall Bethel do to you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel be completely cut off.
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