[1] You were a healthy vine covered with grapes. But the more grapes you grew, the more altars you built; the better off you became, the better shrines you set up for pagan gods. [2] You are deceitful and disloyal. So you will pay for your sins, because the LORD will destroy your altars and images. [3] "We don't have a king," you will say. "We don't fear the LORD. And what good are kings?" [4] Israel, you break treaties and don't keep promises; you turn justice into poisonous weeds where healthy plants should grow. [5] All who live in Samaria tremble with concern for the idols at sinful Bethel. The idol there was the pride of the priests, but it has been put to shame; now everyone will cry. [6] It will be taken to Assyria and given to the great king. Then Israel will be disgraced for worshiping that idol. [7] Like a twig in a stream, the king of Samaria will be swept away. [8] The altars at sinful Bethel will be destroyed for causing Israel to sin; they will be grown over with thorns and thistles. Then everyone will beg the mountains and hills to cover and protect them. [9] Israel, you have never stopped sinning since that time at Gibeah. That's why you will be attacked at Gibeah. [10] Your sins have doubled, and you are rebellious. Now I have decided to send nations to attack and put you in chains. [11] Once you were obedient like a calf that loved to thresh grain. But I will put a harness on your powerful neck; you and Judah must plow and cultivate the ground. [12] Plow your fields, scatter seeds of justice, and harvest faithfulness. Worship me, the LORD, and I will send my saving power down like rain. [13] You have planted evil, harvested injustice, and eaten the fruit of your lies. You trusted your own strength and your powerful forces. [14] So war will break out, and your fortresses will be destroyed. Your enemies will do to you what Shalman did to the people of Beth-Arbel- mothers and their children will be beaten to death against rocks. [15] Bethel, this will be your fate because of your evil. Israel, at dawn your king will be killed.
