Ephraim's Iniquity

1When I would heal Israel, then is the iniquity of Ephraim uncovered, and the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief entereth in, and the troop of robbers ravageth without.

2And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now have their own doings beset them about; they are before my face.

3They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

4They are all adulterers; they are as an oven heated by the baker; he ceaseth to stir the fire , from the kneading of the dough, until it be leavened.

5On the day of our king the princes made themselves sick with the heat of wine; he stretched out his hand with scoffers.

6For they have made ready their heart like an oven, while they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.

7They are all hot as an oven, and devour their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me.

8Ephraim, he mixeth himself among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

9Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, and he knoweth it not.

10And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: yet they have not returned unto Jehovah their God, nor sought him, for all this.

11And Ephraim is like a silly dove, without understanding: they call unto Egypt, they go to Assyria.

12When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the birds of the heavens; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.

13Woe unto them! for they have wandered from me; destruction unto them! for they have trespassed against me: though I would redeem them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

14And they have not cried unto me with their heart, but they howl upon their beds: they assemble themselves for grain and new wine; they rebel against me.

15Though I have taught and strengthened their arms, yet do they devise mischief against me.

16They return, but not to him that is on high; they are like a deceitful bow; their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.