Dual Panel1Hear this, you priests, and listen, Israel; let the royal house mark my words. Sentence is passed on you, for you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor,
2and a deep pit at Shittim. I shall punish them all.
3I have cared for Ephraim and not neglected Israel; but now Ephraim has become promiscuous and Israel has brought defilement on himself.
4Their misdeeds have barred the way back to their God, for the spirit of immorality which is in them prevents them from knowing the LORD.
5Israel's arrogance cries out against him; Ephraim's guilt is his downfall, and Judah in turn is brought down.
6They go with sacrifices of sheep and cattle to seek the LORD, but do not find him, for he has withdrawn from them.
7They have deceived the LORD, for their children are bastards. Now an invader is set to devour their fields.
8Blow the trumpet in Gibeah, the horn in Ramah, raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: “We are with you, Benjamin!”
9On the day of punishment Ephraim will be laid waste. This is the certain doom I have decreed for Israel's tribes.
10Judah's rulers act like men who move their neighbour's boundary; on them I shall pour out my wrath like a flood.
11Ephraim is an oppressor trampling on justice, obstinately pursuing what is worthless.
12But I am going to be a festering sore to Ephraim, a canker to the house of Judah.
13When Ephraim found that he was sick, and Judah found that he was covered with sores, Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent envoys to the Great King. But he had no power to cure you or heal your sores.
14I shall be fierce as a panther to Ephraim, fierce as a lion to Judah; I shall maul the prey and go, carry it off beyond hope of rescue.
15I shall return to my dwelling-place, until in remorse they seek me and search diligently for me in their distress.