1. A luxuriant vine is Israel, who produces fruit for himself. Like the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars. Like the goodness of his land, they made beautiful sacred pillars.
2. Their heart became smooth. Now they will bear their guilt. He will break down their altars. He will destroy their sacred pillars.
3. Surely now they will say: “We have no king, for we have not feared Adonai. The king—what can he do for us?”
4. They spoke words— empty oaths to make a covenant. But judgment springs up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
5. The inhabitants of Samaria will quarrel over the calves of Beth-aven. Indeed its people will mourn over it, but its priests will tremble over it. For its glory will surely depart from it.
6. It also will be carried to Assyria as tribute to a warring king. Ephraim will receive shame and Israel will be put to shame by its own counsel.
7. Samaria is being cut off. Her king is like a splinter on the surface of the water.