1. You were a healthy vinecovered with grapes.But the more grapes you grew,the more altars you built;the better off you became,the better shrines you set upfor pagan gods.
2. You are deceitful and disloyal.So you will payfor your sins,because the Lord will destroyyour altars and images.
3. “We don't have a king,”you will say.“We don't fear the Lord.And what good are kings?”
4. Israel, you break treatiesand don't keep promises;you turn justiceinto poisonous weedswhere healthy plants should grow.
5. All who live in Samaria tremblewith concern for the idolsat sinful Bethel.The idol there was the prideof the priests,but it has been put to shame;now everyone will cry.
6. It will be taken to Assyriaand given to the great king.Then Israel will be disgracedfor worshipping that idol.
7. Like a twig in a stream,the king of Samariawill be swept away.
8. The altars at sinful Bethelwill be destroyedfor causing Israel to sin;they will be overgrownwith thorns and thistles.Then everyone will begthe mountains and hillsto cover and protect them.