Study Desk

Someone from Israel built that idol for you, but only I am God. And so it will be smashed to pieces.

Israel, you have built many altars where you offer sacrifices for sin. But these altars have become places for sin.

My instructions for sacrifices were written in detail, but you ignored them.

Our Lord , do just one thing for your people— make their women unable to have children or to nurse their babies.

You were a healthy vine covered with grapes. But the more grapes you grew, the more altars you built; the better off you became, the better shrines you set up for pagan gods.

You are deceitful and disloyal. So you will pay for your sins, because the Lord will destroy your altars and images.

All who live in Samaria tremble with concern for the idols at sinful Bethel. The idol there was the pride of the priests, but it has been put to shame; now everyone will cry.

It will be taken to Assyria and given to the great king. Then Israel will be disgraced for worshiping that idol.

The altars at sinful Bethel will be destroyed for causing Israel to sin; they will be grown over with thorns and thistles. Then everyone will beg the mountains and hills to cover and protect them.

My people are determined to reject me for a god they think is stronger, but he can't help.

Israel, I can't let you go. I can't give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can't do it. My feelings for you are much too strong.

The Lord also brings charges against the people of Judah, the descendants of Jacob. He will punish them for what they have done.

At Bethel, Jacob wrestled with an angel and won; then with tears in his eyes, he asked for a blessing, and God spoke to us there.

Israel, I will make you pay for your terrible sins and for insulting me.

Israel, you are done for. Don't expect help from me.

Samaria will be punished for turning against me. It will be destroyed in war— children will be beaten against rocks, and pregnant women will be ripped open.

Grieve like a young woman mourning for the man she was to marry.

Mourn for our farms and our vineyards! There's no wheat or barley growing in our fields.

We are in for trouble! Soon the Lord All-Powerful will bring disaster.

Our cattle wander aimlessly, moaning for lack of pasture, and sheep are suffering.