“From the days of Gibeah, you have sinned, O Israel. There they took their stand. Will not war over sons of iniquity overtake them in Gibeah?

Just so has Bethel done to you because of your great wickedness. At dawn the king of Israel will be utterly cut off.

My Son Called Out

“When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you as Zeboim? My heart is turning over within Me. My compassions are kindled.

Ephraim Multiplies Lies

“Ephraim surrounded Me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit.” Though Judah roams restlessly with God, yet he is faithful with holy things.

Now Jacob fled to the field of Aram, when Israel served for a wife— yes, he kept watch for a wife.

So by a prophet Adonai brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was kept.

No Other Savior

When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. He exalted himself in Israel, but he became guilty through Baal, and died.

It has corrupted you, O Israel, for you are against Me—against your Helper!

Salvation Like Dew for Israel

Samaria will bear her guilt, for she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword, their infants dashed to pieces, their pregnant women ripped open.

Return O Israel, to Adonai your God, for you have stumbled in your iniquity.

I will be like dew for Israel. He will blossom like a lily, and thrust out his roots like Lebanon.