Read the Bible

¹ "Whenever I would heal Israel, I see the sin of Ephraim and the wrong-doing of Samaria. They are false in their ways. The robber breaks into houses, and sinful men rob in the streets. ² They do not think about how I remember all the sinful things they do. Their sins are all around them, and are always before Me. ³ They make the king glad with their wrong-doing, and the leaders with their lies. ⁴ None of them are faithful. They are like a hot stove whose fire the bread-maker leaves alone from the time he makes the dough until the bread rises. ⁵ On the special day of our king the leaders became drunk with wine. He joined hands with those who laughed at the truth. ⁶ Their hearts are like a hot stove as they make their plans. Their anger smokes all night, and in the morning it burns like a hot fire. ⁷ All of them are hot like a stove, and they destroy their leaders. All their kings have fallen, and none of them calls to Me for help.

Israel Cannot Depend on the Nations

⁸ "Ephraim mixes with the nations. Ephraim is a cake not turned. ⁹ Strangers destroy his strength, yet he does not know it. White hairs come upon him, yet he does not know it. ¹⁰ Israel's pride speaks against him, yet they do not return to the Lord their God. Even for all this, they do not look for Him. ¹¹ Ephraim is like a foolish dove that is not able to think. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria. ¹² When they go, I will spread My net over them. I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will punish them for the sinful things they have done. ¹³ It is bad for them, for they have turned away from Me! They will be destroyed, for they would not obey Me! I would save them and make them free, but they speak lies against Me. ¹⁴ They do not cry out to Me from their heart when they cry on their beds. They come together for grain and new wine, but turn away from Me. ¹⁵ I taught them and gave strength to their arms, yet they make sinful plans against Me. ¹⁶ They do not turn to the Most High. They are like a bow that does not work right. Their leaders will be killed by the sword because of their proud words. And those in the land of Egypt will laugh at them.