1 Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit to himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath multiplied the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made beautiful images. an…: or, a vine emptying the fruit which it givethimages: Heb. statues, or, standing images
2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. Their heart…: or, He hath divided their heartbreak…: Heb. beheadimages: Heb. statues, or, standing images
3 For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
4 They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
5 The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for its people shall mourn over it, and its priests that rejoiced on it, for its glory, because it is departed from it. the priests…: or, Chemarim
6 It shall also be carried to Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
7 As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water. the water: Heb. the face of the water
8 The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
9 O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
10 It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows. when…: or, when I shall bind them for their two transgressions, or, in their two habitations
11 And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the grain; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods. her…: Heb. the beauty of her neck
12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he shall come and rain righteousness upon you.
13 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou hast trusted in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.
14 Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be plundered, as Shalman plundered Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
15 So shall Bethel do to you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel be utterly cut off. your…: Heb. the evil of your evil