Study Desk

Israel's arrogance testifies against them.^[b](j) Both Israel and Ephraim stumble because of their wickedness;^(k) even Judah will stumble with them.^(l)

They go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord ^(m) but do not find Him;⁽ⁿ⁾ He has withdrawn from them.^(o)

They betrayed the Lord ;^(p) indeed, they gave birth to illegitimate children.^(q) Now the New Moon^(r) will devour them along with their fields.^(s)

Blow the horn in Gibeah,^(t) the trumpet in Ramah;^(u) raise the war cry in Beth-aven:^(v) After you, Benjamin!^(w)

Ephraim will become a desolation^(x) on the day of punishment;^(y) I announce what is certain among the tribes of Israel.^(z)

The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary markers;^(aa) I will pour out My fury^(ab) on them like water.^(ac)

Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment,^(ad) for he is determined to follow what is worthless.^[c]

So I am like rot to Ephraim^(ae) and like decay to the house of Judah.

When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, Ephraim went to Assyria^(af) and sent a delegation to the great king.^[d](ag) But he cannot cure you or heal your wound.^(ah)

For I am like a lion to Ephraim^(ai) and like a young lion to the house of Judah. Yes, I will tear them to pieces and depart.^(aj) I will carry them off, and no one can rescue them.^(ak)

I will depart and return to My place until they recognize their guilt and seek My face;^(al) they will search for Me in their distress.^(am)