1
Israel
is an empty vine. Shall he bring forth fruit unto himself? According to the multiplication of his fruit he has multiplied altars; according to the goodness of his land they have bettered their statues.
2
Their heart has wandered; now they shall be found guilty: he shall break down their altars, he shall destroy their statues.
3
For now they shall say, We have no king, because we did not fear the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
4
They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment shall spring up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
5
The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn because of the calf, and the religious
persons thereof
that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, which shall be made to vanish away.
6
It shall be also carried unto Assyria
for a present to King Jareb: Ephraim shall be ashamed, and Israel shall be confused at his own counsel.
7
As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the surface of the waters.