9. Ephraim will become a wastelandwhen the time for punishment comes.I will make the truth known among the tribes of Israel.
10. The leaders of Judah are like those who move boundary markers.I will pour my fury on them like water.
11. Ephraim is oppressed—crushed by punishment,because its people are determined to chase idols.
12. I will destroy Ephraim as a moth destroys clothing.I will destroy the nation of Judah as rot destroys wood.
13. “When Ephraim saw that he was sickand when Judah saw his own wounds,Ephraim went to Assyria to ask the great king for help.But the king couldn’t cure them or heal their wounds.
14. I will be like a lion to Ephraimand like a young lion to the nation of Judah.I will carry ⌊them⌋ off, and no one will rescue ⌊them⌋.
15. I will go back to my place until they admit that they are guilty.Then they will search for me.In their distress they will eagerly look for me.”