Hosea 8:9-14 ▼

9 For they went up to Assyria— a wild ass off on its own— Ephraim bargained for lovers.

10 Even though they bargain with the nations, I will now gather them together; They will soon succumb under the burden of king and princes.

11 When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, they became altars for sinning.

12 Though I write for him my many instructions, they are considered like a stranger’s.

13 They love sacrifice, they sacrifice meat and eat it, but the LORD is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

14 Israel has forgotten his maker and has built palaces. Judah, too, has fortified many cities, but I will send fire upon his cities, to devour their strongholds.