[1] People of Israel, I rescued you from Egypt. Now listen to my judgment against you. [2] Of all nations on earth, you are the only one I have chosen. That's why I will punish you because of your sins. [3] Can two people walk together without agreeing to meet? [4] Does a lion roar in the forest unless it has caught a victim? Does it growl in its den unless it is eating? [5] How can anyone catch a bird without using a net? Does a trap spring shut unless something is caught? [6] Isn't the whole city frightened when the trumpet signals an attack? Isn't it the LORD who brings disaster on a city? [7] Whatever the LORD God plans to do, he tells his servants, the prophets. [8] Everyone is terrified when a lion roars- and ordinary people become prophets when the LORD God speaks. [9] Here is a message for the leaders of Philistia and Egypt- tell everyone to come together on the hills of Samaria. Let them see the injustice and the lawlessness in that city. [10] The LORD has said that they don't even know how to do right. They have become rich from violence and robbery. [11] And so the LORD God has sworn that they will be surrounded. Enemies will break through their defenses and steal their treasures. [12] The LORD has promised that only a few from Samaria will escape with their lives and with some broken pieces of their beds and couches. It will be like when a shepherd rescues two leg bones and part of a sheep's ear from the jaws of a lion. [13] The LORD God All-Powerful told me to speak this message against Jacob's descendants: [14] When I, the LORD, punish Israel for their sins, I will destroy the altars at Bethel. Even the corners of the altar will be left in the dirt. [15] I will tear down winter homes and summer homes. Houses decorated with ivory and all other mansions will be gone forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!
