Study Desk

"Put the trumpet^(a) to your lips! An eagle^(b) is over the house of the Lord because the people have broken my covenant^(c) and rebelled against my law.^(d)

Israel cries out to me, ‘Our God, we acknowledge you!'

But Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy will pursue him.^(e)

They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval.^(f) With their silver and gold they make idols^(g) for themselves to their own destruction.

Samaria, throw out your calf-idol!^(h) My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of purity?⁽ⁱ⁾

They are from Israel! This calf—a metalworker has made it; it is not God.^(j) It will be broken in pieces, that calf^(k) of Samaria.^(l)

"They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.^(m) The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour.⁽ⁿ⁾ Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up.^(o)

Israel is swallowed up;^(p) now she is among the nations like something no one wants.^(q)

For they have gone up to Assyria^(r) like a wild donkey^(s) wandering alone. Ephraim has sold herself to lovers.^(t)

Although they have sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them together.^(u) They will begin to waste away^(v) under the oppression of the mighty king.

"Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning.^(w)

I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something foreign.^(x)

Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat^(y) the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them.^(z) Now he will remember^(aa) their wickedness and punish their sins:^(ab) They will return to Egypt.^(ac)

Israel has forgotten^(ad) their Maker^(ae) and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses."^(af)