Study Desk

Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, so they went to Assyria for help. They told their problems to the great king, but he cannot heal you or cure your wound.

Ephraim went to his ‘lovers.' Like a stubborn donkey, they led him off to Assyria.

God and the prophet are like guards watching over Ephraim, but there are many traps along his way. And people hate the prophet, even in the house of his God.

I can see that Ephraim is leading his children into a trap. Ephraim will lead his children out to the killer.

Israel is like a vine that grows plenty of fruit. But as Israel got more and more things, he built more and more altars to honor false gods. His land became better and better, so he put up better and better stones to honor false gods.

Now the Israelites say, "We have no king. We don't honor the Lord . And his king cannot do anything to us."

While Jacob was still in his mother's womb, he began to trick his brother. Jacob was a strong young man, and at that time he fought with God.

Yes, Yahweh is the God of the armies. His name is Yahweh .

"Jacob is a tricky merchant. He even cheats his friend! Even his scales lie.

But Ephraim made the Lord very angry. Ephraim killed many people, so he will be punished for his crimes. His Lord will make him bear his shame."

"Ephraim tried to hide his guilt. He thought his sins were a secret, but he will be punished.

His punishment will be like the pain of a woman giving birth. He will not be a wise son. The time will come for his birth, and he will not survive.

Israel grows among his brothers, but a powerful east wind will come—the Lord 's wind will blow from the desert. Then his well will dry up. His spring of water will be dry. The wind will take away anything of value.

His branches will grow, and he will be like a beautiful olive tree. He will be like the sweet smell from the cedar trees of Lebanon.

They don't trip each other. Each soldier walks in his own path. If one of the soldiers is hit and falls down, the others keep right on marching.

The Lord calls loudly to his army. His camp is very large. The army obeys his commands. His army is very powerful. The Lord 's special day is a great and terrible day. No one can stop it.

Tear your hearts, not your clothes." Come back to the Lord your God. He is kind and merciful. He does not become angry quickly. He has great love. Maybe he will change his mind about the bad punishment he planned.

Who knows, maybe he will change his mind and leave behind a blessing for you. Then you can give grain and drink offerings to the Lord your God.

Then the Lord cared very much about his land. He felt sorry for his people.

The Lord spoke to his people. He said, "I will send you grain, wine, and oil. You will have plenty. I will not shame you among the nations anymore.