1. When Ephraim spoke trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
2. And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of artificers they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
3. Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff [that] is driven with the whirlwind from the floor, and as the smoke from the chimney.
4. Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but me for [there is] no savior besides me.
5. I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drouth.
6. According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.
7. Therefore I will be to them as a lion as a leopard by the way will I observe [them].
8. I will meet them as a bear [that is] bereaved [of her whelps], and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion the wild beast shall tear them.
9. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me [is] thy help.
10. I will be thy king where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?
11. I gave thee a king in my anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.
12. The iniquity of Ephraim [is] bound up; his sin [is] hid.
13. The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him he [is] an unwise son; for he should not stay long in [the place of] the breaking forth of children.
14. I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death O death, I will be thy plagues, O grave, I will be thy destruction repentance shall be hid from my eyes.
15. Though he is fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up he shall pillage the treasure of all pleasant vessels.
16. Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God they shall fall by the sword their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.