Hosea 13

1When Ephraim spoke, people trembled; he was exalted in Israel. But he became guilty through Baal, and he died. 2Now they sin more and more and have made themselves a cast image from their silver, idols shaped by their own skill, every one of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, “Human beings who offer sacrifice kiss calves!” 3So they will be like the morning mist, like the dew that vanishes early, like chaff swept by a storm from the threshing floor, like smoke drifting out through a window. 4But I am the LORD your God, and have been since the land of Egypt; you are to know no god but me, and there is no savior except me. 5I cared for you in the wilderness, in a land of burning drought. 6When they had pasture, they ate their fill; they were full, and their hearts grew proud; that is why they forgot me. 7So I have become like a lion to them; like a leopard I will lurk beside the road. 8I will attack them like a bear robbed of her cubs and tear open their chests; I will devour them there like a lioness; wild animals will tear them to pieces. 9You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, your helper. 10Where is your king now, who could save you in all your cities? Where are your rulers, of whom you said, “Give me a king and officials”? 11I give you a king in my anger, and in my fury I take him away.

12Ephraim’s guilt is wrapped up; his sin is kept in store. 13The pains of childbirth come upon him, but he is a child without sense; when the time comes, he does not move into the opening of the womb. 14Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? O death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes. 15Though he thrives among his brothers, an east wind will come, a wind of the LORD blowing up from the desert; his spring will fail and his fountain dry up. An enemy will plunder his storehouse of every treasure.

16Samaria must bear her guilt, because she rebelled against her God. By the sword they will fall; their little children will be dashed to pieces, her pregnant women ripped open.