1“Sound the alarm! He (the Assyrian) shall come like an eagle against the Temple of the LORD, because they (the Israelites) have transgressed My covenant, and violated My law. 2Israel shall cry unto Me, ‘My God, we know You.’ 3But Israel has rejected what is good; and now the enemy shall pursue him. 4The people have set up kings without My consent; they have chosen leaders, without My approval; they made idols out of their silver and gold, to their own destruction. 5O Samaria, throw out your calf idol; My anger is kindled against you; how long will it be before they become incapable of purity and innocence? 6This calf that you worship, the workmen of Israel made; it is not God. That calf of Samaria shall be smashed to bits.”

7“They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The stalks of what they reap will have no head; their bud shall yield no wheat. And if it does yield anything, strangers shall devour it. 8Israel is swallowed up among the nations, where she is like a pot no one wants. 9For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey looking for a mate; Ephraim has sold herself to lovers. 10Even though they have sold themselves among the nations, I will soon gather them together; but they shall suffer a little under the oppressive burden of tribute of the king (of Assyria).”

11“Though Ephraim has made many altars for sin offerings, they have become altars for sinning. 12I have given to him the all of My laws, but they were regarded as something foreign. 13Though they offer sacrifices to Me, which they then eat it, I, the LORD do not accept them; I will remember their iniquity, and judge their sins. They shall return to Egypt. 14For people of Israel have forgotten their Maker, and build great palaces; and Judah has multiplied its fortified cities; but I will send a fire upon their cities, that shall devour both its fortresses and palaces.”