Study Desk

But even if they did bring up children, I would take them away and not leave one alive. When I abandon these people, terrible things will happen to them."

The people of Israel are like a plant whose roots have dried up and which bears no fruit. They will have no children, but even if they did, I would kill the children so dear to them."

These people will soon be saying, "We have no king because we did not fear the Lord . But what could a king do for us anyway?"

"Israel was once like a well-trained young cow, ready and willing to thresh grain. But I decided to put a yoke on her beautiful neck and to harness her for harder work. I made Judah pull the plow and Israel pull the harrow.

But instead you planted evil and reaped its harvest. You have eaten the fruit produced by your lies. "Because you trusted in your chariots and in the large number of your soldiers,

But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols.

Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them.

They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them.

But I, the Lord your God who led you out of Egypt, I will make you live in tents again, as you did when I came to you in the desert.

In the past, when the tribe of Ephraim spoke, the other tribes of Israel were afraid; they looked up to Ephraim. But the people sinned by worshiping Baal, and for this they will die.

The Lord says, "I am the Lord your God, who led you out of Egypt. You have no God but me. I alone am your savior.

But when you entered the good land, you became full and satisfied, and then you grew proud and forgot me.

You asked for a king and for leaders, but how can they save the nation?

Israel has a chance to live, but is too foolish to take it—like a child about to be born, who refuses to come out of the womb.

May those who are wise understand what is written here, and may they take it to heart. The Lord 's ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them.

Like fire they eat up the plants. In front of them the land is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them it is a barren desert. Nothing escapes them.

"But even now," says the Lord , "repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning.

"Fields, don't be afraid, but be joyful and glad because of all the Lord has done for you.

But all who ask the Lord for help will be saved. As the Lord has said, ‘Some in Jerusalem will escape; those whom I choose will survive.'"

The Lord roars from Mount Zion; his voice thunders from Jerusalem; earth and sky tremble. But he will defend his people.