Hosea 13

1When Ephraim proclaimed, there was trembling; he exalted himself in Israel, but when he trespassed in Baal, he died.

2Now they sin yet more and have fashioned molten images for themselves from their silver, according to their own skill—idols, all the work of craftsmen. They say of them, "Let human sacrificers kiss the calves."

3Therefore they will be like morning cloud, like dew that passes early, like chaff the whirlwind sweeps from the threshing floor, and like smoke from the chimney.

4Yet I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; you shall acknowledge no god except me, for there is no savior besides me.

5In the wilderness, in the land of great drought, I knew you.

6Their pasture filled them; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore they forgot me.

7I will be to them like a lion; like a leopard by the path I will lie in wait.

8I will meet them like a bereaved bear, tear the covering from their heart, and devour them there like a lioness; the wild beast of the field will rip them open.

9Israel, you have destroyed yourself, because you oppose me, your help.

10I will be your king: where now is he who will save you in all your cities? And your judges, to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes.”

11I appointed a king for you in my anger, and took him in my wrath.

12Ephraim's guilt is bound; his sin is hidden.

13The pangs of labor will come upon him. He is a foolish son, for when the time arrives he will not stand at the breaking forth of children.

14I will ransom them from Sheol's power; I will redeem them from death. Death, I will be your plagues; Sheol, I will be your destruction. Pity will be hidden from my eyes.

15Though he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come, the wind of Yahweh rising from the wilderness; his spring will dry up and his fountain will run dry. He will plunder the storehouse of every desirable vessel.

16Samaria will be laid waste because she rebelled against her God; they will fall by the sword, their infants dashed and their pregnant women ripped open.