1Israel was a luxuriant vine, which produced fruit freely. According to the multitude of his fruit, he has increased the altars. Accordingly, they have made beautiful images after the goodness of his land.

2Their heart is divided; now they shall be guilty. He shall break down their altars, and He shall spoil their images,

3For now they shall say, "We have no king because we did not fear the LORD; what then should a king do to us?"

4They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant. Thus judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.

5Because of the calves of Beth Aven, the people of Samaria shall fear, for its people shall mourn over it, as well as its idolatrous priests who rejoiced over it for its glory, because its glory has departed from it.

6It shall also be carried to Assyria for a present to King Contentious. Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

7As for Samaria, her king is cut off as a bough on the water.

8Also the high places 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; war upon the sons of violent deeds shall not overtake them in Gibeah.

10When I desire, I shall chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves to their two perversities.

11And Ephraim is like a trained heifer, that loves to thresh, and I passed the yoke over her fair neck. I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods."

12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and rains righteousness on you.

13You 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.

14Therefore a tumult shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be spoiled, as the ruin of Beth Arbel by Shalman in the day of battle. The mother was dashed in pieces with her children.

15Thus He does to you, Bethel, because of your great wickedness. In a morning the king of Israel shall be utterly cut off.