[1] Listen to this message that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel-against the entire family I rescued from Egypt: [2] "From among all the families on the earth, I have been intimate with you alone. That is why I must punish you for all your sins." [3] Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? [4] Does a lion ever roar in a thicket without first finding a victim? Does a young lion growl in its den without first catching its prey? [5] Does a bird ever get caught in a trap that has no bait? Does a trap spring shut when there's nothing to catch? [6] When the ram's horn blows a warning, shouldn't the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the LORD has planned it? [7] Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. [8] The lion has roared- so who isn't frightened? The Sovereign LORD has spoken- so who can refuse to proclaim his message? [9] Announce this to the leaders of Philistia and to the great ones of Egypt: "Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria, and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel." [10] "My people have forgotten how to do right," says the LORD. "Their fortresses are filled with wealth taken by theft and violence. [11] Therefore," says the Sovereign LORD, "an enemy is coming! He will surround them and shatter their defenses. Then he will plunder all their fortresses." [12] This is what the LORD says: "A shepherd who tries to rescue a sheep from a lion's mouth will recover only two legs or a piece of an ear. So it will be for the Israelites in Samaria lying on luxurious beds, and for the people of Damascus reclining on couches. [13] "Now listen to this, and announce it throughout all Israel," says the Lord, the LORD God of Heaven's Armies. [14] "On the very day I punish Israel for its sins, I will destroy the pagan altars at Bethel. The horns of the altar will be cut off and fall to the ground. [15] And I will destroy the beautiful homes of the wealthy- their winter mansions and their summer houses, too- all their palaces filled with ivory," says the LORD.
