Hosea

8* they fly like a vulture against Jehovah’s house—since they have violated my covenant and been rebellious against my instructions. 2 They cry to me “My God”; we know you, Israel.

3 Israel has repudiated what is good; an enemy will pursue them. 4 They have set up kings, but not from me; a government, and I did not know it. Their silver and gold they have made into idols, to have it swept away. 5 Your calf, Samaria, is repudiated; I am angry with them—how long will they be incapable of innocence? 6* because it comes from Israel, a mechanic has made it, it is not a god.—For Samaria’s calf shall go to splinters. 7* For they sow wind and reap whirlwind; it all has no stalk, a greenery that will yield no meal—or if it should, outsiders would swallow it.

8 Israel is swallowed up; now they have become among the nations like an unwanted piece of furniture. 9* For they have gone up to Assyria, a wild ass running alone; to Egypt they have given love-gifts. 10* When they do give among the nations, now I will gather them and they shall begin a small part of the burden of the king of princes. 11* Because Ephraim has made many altars for sin-offerings, they have had them as altars for offering sins. 12* I would write down for them my multitudinous instructions; they have been rated a sickening thing. 13* They sacrifice meat as broiled sacrifices and eat it; Jehovah has not accepted them; now he will remember their guilt and punish their sins: they shall go back to Egypt. 14* And Israel has forgotten his Maker and built temples, and Judah has fortified many a city; but I will send a fire into his cities and it shall devour his palaces.