1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal and died.2 Now they continue to sin and make themselves a cast image, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say about them, “Let the men who sacrifice Or “Those who make human sacrifices kiss the calves.”3 Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, or like smoke from a window.4 Death and Resurrection I have been the Lord your God ever since DSS, LXX read God who brought you out of the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and no Savior exists besides me.5 I knew LXX, Syr read fed you in the wilderness, in the land of drought.6 When they had pasture, they became satisfied; they were satisfied, and their hearts became proud. Therefore they forgot me.7 So I will be like a lion to them; I will lurk like a leopard on the path.8 I will attack them like a bear robbed of her cubs and tear open the rib cage over their hearts. I will devour them there like a lioness, like a wild beast that would rip them open.9 I will destroy you, Israel; you have no help but me. LXX reads At your destruction, Israel, who will help you? 10 Where now is your king, LXX, Syr, Vg; MT reads I will be your king that he may save you in all your cities, and the Lit your rulers Or judges you demanded, saying, “Give me a king and leaders”?11 I give you a king in my anger and take away a king in my wrath.12 Ephraim’s guilt is preserved; his sin is stored up.13 Labor pains come on him. He is not a wise son; when the time comes, he will not be born. Lit he will not present himself at the opening of the womb for sons 14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem Or Should I ransom . . . ? Should I redeem . . . ? them from death. Death, where are your barbs? Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes.15 The Coming Judgment Although he flourishes among his brothers, Or among reeds an east wind will come, a wind from the Lord rising up from the desert. His water source will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder the treasury of every precious item.16 Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their children will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.