1 ¶ When Ephraim spoke people trembled, he was important in Israel; but when he worshipped Baal, he died.

2 And now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen. People say of them, They kiss images of calves, and sacrifice humans.

3 That is why they will be like the morning mist, and like the dew that is soon gone, like the chaff that swirls from the threshing floor with the wind, and like the smoke from a chimney.

4 But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt, and you know no god but me: for there is no savior other than me.

5 ¶ I took care of you in the desert, in the land of great drought.

6 When they had pasture, they were satisfied; they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they have forgotten me.

7 Therefore I will be to them like a lion: like a leopard along the way I will watch them:

8 I will meet them like a bear robbed of her cubs, and will tear open their hearts, I will devour them like a lion: and rip them apart like a wild animal.

9 ¶ O Israel, you have destroyed yourself; and none can help you but me.

10 Where now is your king, that he may save you and all your cities? and your judges to whom you said, Give me a king and princes?

11 I gave you a king in my anger, and took him away in my wrath.

12 The guilt of Ephraim remains; his sin is stored up.

13 The sorrows of a woman in childbirth will come upon him: but he is a foolish son; for when the time comes he does not come out of the womb.

14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, where are your plagues; O grave, where is your destruction: I will not consider any other way.

15 Though he is fruitful among his brethren, an east wind will arise, the wind of the LORD will come up from the wilderness, his water source will fail, and his spring will run dry: the wind will plunder the treasury of every precious thing.

16 Samaria will become desolate; because she has rebelled against her God: they will fall by the sword: their infants will be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open.