1 A trumpet to your lips, You who watch over the house of the LORD! Since they have violated my covenant, and sinned against my law,
2 While to me they cry out, "O, God of Israel, we know you!"
3 The men of Israel have thrown away what is good; the enemy shall pursue them.
4 They made kings, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction.
5 Cast away your calf, O Samaria! my wrath is kindled against them; How long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel?
6 The work of an artisan no god at all, Destined for the flames-- such is the calf of Samaria!
7 When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it.
8 Israel is swallowed up; he is now among the nations a thing of no value.
9 They went up to Assyria-- a wild ass off on its own-- Ephraim bargained for lovers.
10 Even though they bargain with the nations, I will now gather an army; King and princes shall shortly succumb under the burden.
11 When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin.
12 Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger's.
13 Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the LORD is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.
14 Israel has forgotten his maker and built palaces. Judah, too, has fortified many cities, but I will send fire upon his cities, to devour their castles.