1 ¶ Israel is a lush vine, he brought forth fruit for himself: and the more he produced the more altars he built; the more his land prospered the more lavish their idols became.

2 Their hearts are divided; now they must bear their punishment: the Lord will break down their altars, he will destroy their images.

3 For they are now saying, We have no king, because we did not fear LORD; so what could a king do for us?

4 They speak empty words, swearing falsely in making an agreement: therefore judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.

5 The inhabitants of Samaria will suffer terror because of the calves of Bethaven: yet its people will mourn over it, as will the priests who rejoiced in its glory, because it is gone.

6 It will be carried to Assyria as a present to king Jareb: Ephraim will be disgraced, and Israel will be ashamed of what he planned.

7 As for Samaria, her king will disappear like foam upon the water.

8 The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will also be destroyed: thorns and thistles will cover their altars; and they will say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.

9 ¶ O Israel, you have sinned since the time of Gibeah: there Israel stood firm: so that the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity would not turn against them.

10 At my own time I will chastise them; and nations will be gathered against them, when I put them in bondage for their twofold transgression.

11 Ephraim is like a trained heifer, that loves to tread out the corn; and I will put a yoke on her fair neck: I will harness Ephraim; Judah will plow, and Jacob will break his clods.

12 Sow righteousness for yourselves, and reap mercy; break new ground for yourselves: 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 own way, in the multitude of your mighty men.

14 Therefore a roar of battle will arise against your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed. As in Shalman’s destruction of Beth-arbel, during the battle mothers will be dashed in pieces with their children.

15 So it will be done to you Bethel because of your great wickedness: at daybreak the king of Israel will be totally destroyed.