[1] The LORD said: Sound a warning! Israel, you broke our agreement and ignored my teaching. Now an eagle is swooping down to attack my land. [2] Israel, you say, "We claim you, the LORD, as our God." [3] But your enemies will chase you for rejecting our good agreement. [4] You chose kings and leaders without consulting me; you made silver and gold idols that led to your downfall. [5] City of Samaria, I'm angry because of your idol in the shape of a calf. When will you ever be innocent again? [6] Someone from Israel built that idol for you, but only I am God. And so it will be smashed to pieces. [7] If you scatter wind instead of wheat, you will harvest a whirlwind and have no wheat. Even if you harvest grain, enemies will steal it all. [8] Israel, you are ruined, and now the nations consider you worthless. [9] You are like a wild donkey that goes its own way. You've run off to Assyria and hired them as allies. [10] You can bargain with nations, but I'll catch you anyway. Soon you will suffer abuse by kings and rulers. [11] Israel, you have built many altars where you offer sacrifices for sin. But these altars have become places for sin. [12] My instructions for sacrifices were written in detail, but you ignored them. [13] You sacrifice your best animals and eat the sacrificial meals, but I, the LORD, refuse your offerings. I will remember your sins and punish you. Then you will return to Egypt. [14] Israel, I created you, but you forgot me. You and Judah built palaces and many strong cities. Now I will send fire to destroy your towns and fortresses.
