1. Hear this word that I take up as a lament over you, O house of Israel:
2. She has fallen, never rising again— virgin Israel— She is forsaken on her land, with nobody to lift her up.
3. For thus says Adonai Elohim: “The city that sends out a thousand will have a hundred left, and one that sends out a hundred will have ten left for the house of Israel.”
4. For thus says Adonai to the house of Israel: “Seek Me, and live!
5. But do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not cross over to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to trouble.
6. Seek Adonai, and live— lest He rush like fire through the house of Joseph. Yes, it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.