1When Ephraim spoke trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. 2And now they sin more and more, and have made them melted {molten} images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen; they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. 3Therefore, they shall be like {as} the morning cloud, and like {as} the early dew that passeth away, like {as} the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and like {as} the smoke out of the chimney. 4Yet I am the LORD, thy God, from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me; for there is no savior beside Me. 5I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. 6According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten Me. 7Therefore, I will be unto them like {as} a lion; like {as} a leopard by the way will I observe them: 8I will meet them like {as} a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will tear {rend} the fat of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion; the wild beast shall tear them.

9O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help. 10I 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? 11I gave thee a king in Mine anger, and took him away in My wrath.

12The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hidden. 13The 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. 14I will ransom them from the power of sheol {the grave}; I will redeem them from death. O death, I will be thy plagues; O sheol {grave}, I will be thy destruction; repentance shall be hidden from Mine eyes.

15Though he be 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 spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. 16Samaria 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.