11. “Israel is like a trained heifer treading out the grain—an easy job she loves.But I will put a heavy yoke on her tender neck.I will force Judah to pull the plowand Israel to break up the hard ground.
12. I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness,and you will harvest a crop of love.Plow up the hard ground of your hearts,for now is the time to seek the lord,that he may comeand shower righteousness upon you.’
13. “But you have cultivated wickednessand harvested a thriving crop of sins.You have eaten the fruit of lies—trusting in your military might,believing that great armiescould make your nation safe.
14. Now the terrors of warwill rise among your people.All your fortifications will fall,just as when Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel.Even mothers and childrenwere dashed to death there.
15. You will share that fate, Bethel,because of your great wickedness.When the day of judgment dawns,the king of Israel will be completely destroyed.