1When Ephraim spoke, trembling was raised in Israel; he became guilty through Baal and died.2And now they continue to sin and make for themselves a molten image from their silver according to their understanding, idols, the work of craftsmen; all of it belongs to them; they say of the sacrificers of men, "Let them kiss calves."3Therefore they shall become like a morning cloud and like dew that rises and goes away, like chaff driven from the threshing floor and like smoke from a window.4Yet I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you shall know no God besides me, and there is no savior except me.5I knew you in the wilderness, in a land of drought.6When they were pastured they were satisfied; they were satisfied and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me.7So I became like a lion to them; like a leopard I will watch along the way.8I will meet them like a bear robbed of her cubs, and I will tear open the enclosure of their heart; there I will devour them like a lion; the wild animal of the field will rip them open.9You have destroyed yourself, Israel, because your help was in me.10Where then is your king to save you in all your cities, or your rulers of whom you said, give me a king and princes?11I give you a king in my anger and take him away in my wrath.12The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is stored away.13The pangs of childbirth come upon him; he is an unwise son, for at the time of birth he does not present himself.14I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from death; where are your plagues, O death? Where is your sting, O Sheol? Compassion is hidden from my eyes.15Though he flourishes among brothers, an east wind of the LORD shall come from the wilderness; it will rise and dry up his fountain and parch his spring; he will plunder the treasury of every desirable vessel.16Samaria shall bear her guilt, because she has rebelled against her God; they shall fall by the sword; their little ones shall be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women shall be ripped open.