1and to heal its wounds.

But then I see the crimes

in Israel7.1 Israel: See the note at 4.17. Samaria was the capital city of Israel. and Samaria.

Everyone is deceitful;

robbers roam the streets.

2No one realizes

that I have seen their sins

surround them like a flood.

3The king and his officials

take great pleasure

in their sin and deceit.

4Everyone burns with desire—

they are like coals in an oven,

ready to burst into flames.

5On the day their king

was crowned,

his officials got him drunk,

and he joined

in their foolishness.7.5 foolishness: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 5.

6Their anger is a fire

that smoulders all night,

then flares up at dawn.

7They are flames

destroying their leaders.

And their kings are powerless;

none of them trust me.

8The people of Israel7.8 Israel: Hebrew “Ephraim” (see the note at 4.17).

have mixed with foreigners;

they are a thin piece of bread

scorched on one side.

9They don't seem to realize

how weak and feeble they are;

their hair has turned grey,

while foreigners rule.

10I am the LORD, their God,

but in all their troubles

their pride keeps them

from returning to me.

Israel refused to trust the Lord

No help from foreign nations

The LORD said:

11Israel7.11 Israel: Hebrew “Ephraim” (see the note at 4.17). is a senseless bird,

fluttering back and forth

between Egypt and Assyria.

12But I will catch them in a net

as hunters trap birds;

I threatened to punish them,

and indeed I will.7.12 I threatened…will: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

13Trouble and destruction

will be their reward

for rejecting me.

I would have rescued them,

but they told me lies.

14They don't really pray to me;

they just howl in their beds.

They have rejected me for Baal

and slashed themselves,7.14 slashed themselves: One ancient translation and some Hebrew manuscripts; other Hebrew manuscripts “gather together”. Slashing themselves was one-way of worshipping Baal (see 1 Kings 18.28).

in the hope that Baal

will bless their crops.

15I taught them what they know,

and I made them strong.

Now they plot against me

16and refuse to obey.7.16 and…obey: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

They are more useless

than a crooked arrow.

Their leaders will die in war

for saying foolish things.

Egyptians will laugh at them.