[1] The LORD said: When your leaders spoke, everyone in Israel trembled and showed great respect. But you sinned by worshiping Baal, and you were destroyed. [2] Now you continue to sin by designing and making idols of silver in the shape of calves. You are told to sacrifice to these idols- yes, even to kiss them. [3] And so, all of you will vanish like the mist or the dew of early morning, or husks of grain in the wind or smoke from a chimney. [4] I, the LORD, have been your God since the time you were in Egypt. I am the only God you know, the only one who can save. [5] I took care of you in a thirsty desert. [6] I fed you till you were satisfied, then you became proud and forgot about me. [7] Now I will attack like a lion, ambush you like a leopard, [8] and rip you apart like a bear robbed of her cubs. I will gnaw on your bones, as though I were a lion or some other wild animal. [9] Israel, you are done for. Don't expect help from me. [10] You wanted a king and rulers. Where is your king now? What cities have rulers? [11] In my anger, I gave you a king; in my fury, I took him away. [12] The LORD said: Israel, your terrible sins are written down and stored away. [13] You are like a senseless child who refuses to be born at the proper time. [14] Should I, the LORD, rescue you from death and the grave? No! I call death and the grave to strike you like a plague. I refuse to show mercy. [15] No matter how much you prosper more than the other tribes, I, the LORD, will wipe you out, just as a scorching desert wind dries up streams of water. I will take away your precious treasures. [16] Samaria will be punished for turning against me. It will be destroyed in war- children will be beaten against rocks, and pregnant women will be ripped open.
