ISRAEL empties his vine; he brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit he has increased the altars; according to the bounty of his land they have established his sacred pillars.

2 Their heart is divided; now they are held guility. He will break down their altars; he will ruin their sacred pillars.

3 For now they say, "We have no king, because we did not fear the LORD. and as for a king, what would he do for us?"

4 They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant. Thus judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.

5 The inhabitants of Samaria fear because of the calf of Beth Aven. For its people mourn for it, and its priests shriek for it - because its glory has departed from it.

6 The idol also shall be carried to Assyria as a present for King Jareb. Ephraim shall recieve shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

7 As for Samaria, her king is cut off like a twing on the water.

8 Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Isreal, shall be destroyed. The thron and thistle shall grow on their altars; they shall say to the mourntains,"Cover us! And to the hills, "Fall on us!"

9 "O Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gileah; there they stood. The battle in Gibeah against the chldren of iniquity did not overtake them.

10 When it is My desire, I will chasten them. People shall gathered against them.

11 Ephraim is trained heifer that loves to thresh grain; but I harnessed her fair neck, I will make Ephraim pull a plow. Judah shall plow; Jacob shall break his colds."

12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.

13 You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own ways, in the multitude of your mighty men.

14 Therefore tumult shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be plundered as Shelman plundered Beth Arbel in the day of battle - a mother dashed in pieces upon her children.

15 Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethal, because of your great wickedness. At dawn the king of Israel shall be cut off utterly. HOSEA 10