7. Indeed, the Sovereign lord never does anythinguntil he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
8. The lion has roared—so who isn’t frightened?The Sovereign lord has spoken—so who can refuse to proclaim his message?
9. Announce this to the leaders of Philistiaand to the great ones of Egypt:“Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria,and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel.”
10. “My people have forgotten how to do right,”says the lord.“Their fortresses are filled with wealthtaken by theft and violence.
11. Therefore,” says the Sovereign lord,“an enemy is coming!He will surround them and shatter their defenses.Then he will plunder all their fortresses.”
12. This is what the lord says:“A shepherd who tries to rescue a sheep from a lion’s mouthwill recover only two legs or a piece of an ear.So it will be for the Israelites in Samaria lying on luxurious beds,and for the people of Damascus reclining on couches.