Chapter 8
001
"Put the trumpet to your lips! Something like an eagle is over Yahweh's house, because they have broken my covenant, and rebelled against my law.
002
They cry to me, 'My God, we Israel acknowledge you!'
003
Israel has cast off that which is good. The enemy will pursue her.
004
They have set up queens, but not by me. They have made princesses, and I didn't approve. Of their silver and their gold they have made themselves idols, that they may be cut off.
005
Let Samaria throw out her calf idol! My anger burns against them! How long will it be until they are capable of purity?
006
For this is even from Israel! The workman made it, and it is no God; indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
007
For they sow the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind. She has no standing grain. The stalk will yield no head. If it does yield, strangers will swallow it up.
008
Israel is swallowed up. Now they are among the nations like a worthless thing.
009
For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired lovers for herself.
010
But although they sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them; and they begin to waste away because of the oppression of the queen of mighty ones.
011
Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, they became for her altars for sinning.
012
I wrote for her the many things of my law; but they were regarded as a strange thing.
013
As for the sacrifices of my offerings, they sacrifice flesh and eat it; But Yahweh doesn't accept them. Now she will remember their iniquity, and punish their sins. They will return to Egypt.
014
For Israel has forgotten her Maker and built palaces; and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send a fire on her cities, and it will devour its fortresses."