1“Sound the alarm! He (the Assyrian) shall come like an eagle against the Temple of the LORD, because they (the Israelites) have transgressed My covenant, and violated My law. 2Israel shall cry unto Me, ‘My God, we know You.’ 3But Israel has cast off the thing that is good; and now the enemy shall pursue him. 4They have set up kings without My consent; they have chosen leaders, without My approval; they made idols of their silver and gold, to their own destruction. 5 O Samaria, throw out your calf idol; My anger is kindled against you; how long will it be before they become incapable of purity and innocence? 6For the workmen from Israel made that calf; it is not God. That calf of Samaria shall be smashed to bits.

7“They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. Its stalk has no head; the bud shall yield no wheat; if it does yield anything, strangers shall devour it. 8Israel is swallowed up among the nations; she is like a pot no one wants. 9For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone by itself; Ephraim has sold herself to lovers. 10Yet, though they have sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them together, and they shall suffer a little under the burden of tribute of the king.

11“Ephraim has made many altars for sin offerings, but they have become altars for sinning. 12I have written to him the great things of My law, but they were regarded as strange things. 13Though they offer flesh for their sacrifices to Me, and then eat it, the LORD does not accept them; I will remember their iniquity, and judge their sins; they shall return to Egypt. 14For Israel has forgotten his Maker, and builds great palaces; and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send a fire upon their cities, that shall devour its fortresses and palaces.