Study Desk

They cry out to Me, ‘My God, we of Israel know You!'

in Israel? A workman made this calf, so it is not God. The calf of Samaria will be broken to pieces.

Do not be happy, O Israel! Do not be glad like the nations! For you have sinned like a woman who sells the use of her body, turning away from your God. You have loved selling yourselves on every grain-floor.

Ephraim was meant to be a watchman who would speak for God. Yet there is a net in all his ways, and only anger in the house of his God.

"I found Israel like grapes in the desert. I saw your fathers like the first-fruit on the fig tree in its first year. But they came to Baal-peor and gave themselves to that false god of shame. They became as sinful as the thing they loved.

My God will send them away because they have not listened to Him. And they will travel from nation to nation.

The thing itself will be carried to Assyria and given to King Jareb. Ephraim will be put to shame, and Israel will be ashamed of its false god.

I will not do anything in My burning anger. I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man. I am the Holy One among you, and I will not come in anger.

"The lies of Ephraim and the lies of the people of Israel are all around Me. And Judah will not obey God, the One Who is holy and faithful."

Before he was born he took his brother by the heel. And when he was grown he fought with God.

He fought with the angel and won. He cried and begged for His favor. He met God at Bethel, and God spoke with him there.

This was the Lord, the God of All. The Lord is His name.

So return to your God. Show kindness and do what is fair, and wait for your God all the time.

"I am the Lord your God Who brought you out of Egypt. I will make you live in tents again, as in the days of your special suppers.

"I am the Lord your God Who brought you out of Egypt. You were not to know any god but Me, for there is no one who can save you but Me.

Samaria will suffer for her guilt, for she has not wanted to obey her God. They will be killed by the sword. Their little ones will be crushed in pieces. And their women who are soon to give birth will be torn open."

Return to the Lord your God, O Israel, for you have fallen because of your sin.

Assyria will not save us. We will not ride on horses. And we will never say again, ‘Our god,' to what we have made with our hands. For those who have no father find loving-kindness in You."

Dress in cloth made from hair, and cry in sorrow, you religious leaders! Cry in a loud voice, you who serve at the altar! Come, spend the night in cloth made from hair, you who serve my God. For the grain gifts and drink gifts are kept from the house of your God.

Set apart a time when no food will be eaten. Call together a holy meeting. Gather the leaders and all the people of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.