1. When Ephraim spoke there was terror;he was exalted in Israel;but he became guilty through Baal and died.
2. Now they continue to sin,making for themselves molten images,Silver idols according to their skill,all of them the work of artisans.“To these, offer sacrifice,” they say.People kiss calves!
3. Therefore, they will be like a morning cloudor like the dew that vanishes with the dawn,Like chaff storm-driven from the threshing flooror like smoke out of the window.
4. I, the Lord, am your God,since the land of Egypt; Gods apart from me you do not know;there is no savior but me.
5. I fed you in the wilderness,in the parched land.
6. When I fed them, they were satisfied;when satisfied, they became proud,therefore they forgot me.
7. So, I will be like a lion to them,like a leopard by the road I will keep watch.
8. I will attack them like a bear robbed of its young,and tear their hearts from their breasts;I will devour them on the spot like a lion,as a wild animal would rip them open.
9. I destroy you, Israel!who is there to help you?