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7 The days of vengeance have come, the days of recompense are near; then Israel shall know it; the prophet is a fool, a dull man possessed by a spirit of stupidity; because of the multitude of your iniquity, your lasciviousness has been increased. 8 The watchman of Ephraim was with my God; but the prophet is a snare and a stumbling block in all his ways, and wantonness in the house of God. 9 They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Ramtha; therefore he will remember their iniquity, and he will punish them for their sins. 10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw their fathers like the first fruit of the fig tree, but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves to that shameful thing, and became abominable like the things they loved. 11 As for Ephraim, their glory has flown away like a bird, they are cut off from the birth, from the womb, and from the conception. 12 Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, that there shall not be a man left; yea, woe to them, for I will take vengeance upon them! 13 Ephraim's fate shall be like that of Tyre, as you have seen, though planted in a pleasant place with buildings; likewise Ephraim shall bring out his children to the slaughter. 14 Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. 15 All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them; because of the wickedness of their doings, I will drive them out of my house, I will love them no more; all their princes are rebels. 16 Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bear children, I will cause them to die, even those who are tenderly beloved. 17 My God will reject them because they did not hearken to him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations. Hosea 9:7-17, Lamsa Bible. Public domain.
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