1 Yahweh Speaks Against Israel Hear this word which Yahweh has spoken against you, sons of Israel, against the entire 3:1Nation family which 3:1Lit I He brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,
2 “You only have I known among all the families of the earth;Therefore I will 3:2 Lit visit punish you for all your iniquities.”
3 Do two men walk together unless they have made an 3:3 Or agreement appointment?
4 Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey?Does a young lion give forth its voice from its den unless it has capturedsomething?
5 Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground when there is no 3:5Or striker-bar set bait in it?Does a trap spring up from the earth when it captures nothing at all?
6 If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble?If a calamity happens in a city has not Yahweh done it?
7 3:7Or For Surely Lord Yahweh does nothingUnless He reveals His secret counselTo His slaves the prophets.
8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear?Lord Yahweh has spoken! Who can but prophesy?
9 Make it heard on the citadels in Ashdod and on the citadels in the land of Egypt and say, “Gather yourselves on the mountains of Samaria and seethegreat confusions within her andtheoppressions in her midst.
10 But they do not know how to do what is right,” declares Yahweh, “these who hoard up 3:10The plunder from violence violence and devastation in their citadels.”
11 Therefore, thus says Lord Yahweh,“An adversary, even one surrounding the land,Will pull down your 3:11 Or stronghold strength from you,And your citadels will be plundered.”
12 Thus says Yahweh,“Just as the shepherd delivers from the lion’s mouth a couple of legs or a piece of an ear,So will the sons of Israel inhabiting Samaria be delivered—Withthecorner of a bed andthe 3:12Lit damask cover of a couch!
13 “Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,”Declares Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts.
14 “For on the day that I punish Israel’s transgressions,I will also punish the altars of Bethel;The horns of the altar will be cut in pieces,And they will fall to the ground.
15 “I will also strike the 3:15 Or autumn winter house together with the summer house;The houses of 3:15 Ivory inlay ivory will also perish,And the great houses will come to an end,”Declares Yahweh.