10Hosea 10

1You were a healthy vine covered with grapes. But the more grapes you grew, the more altars you built; the better off you became, the better shrines you set up for pagan gods.Select Hosea 10:1

2You are deceitful and disloyal. So you will pay for your sins, because the Lord will destroy your altars and images.Select Hosea 10:2

3“We don't have a king,” you will say. “We don't fear the Lord. And what good are kings?”Select Hosea 10:3

4Israel, you break treaties and don't keep promises; you turn justice into poisonous weeds where healthy plants should grow.Select Hosea 10:4

5All who live in Samaria tremble with concern for the idols at sinful Bethel. The idol there was the pride of the priests, but it has been put to shame; now everyone will cry.Select Hosea 10:5

6It will be taken to Assyria and given to the great king. Then Israel will be disgraced for worshiping that idol.Select Hosea 10:6

7Like a twig in a stream, the king of Samaria will be swept away.Select Hosea 10:7

8The altars at sinful Bethel will be destroyed for causing Israel to sin; they will be grown over with thorns and thistles. Then everyone will beg the mountains and hills to cover and protect them.Select Hosea 10:8

The Promises To Punish Israel

9Israel, you have never stopped sinning since that time at Gibeah. That's why you will be attacked at Gibeah.Select Hosea 10:9

10Your sins have doubled, and you are rebellious. Now I have decided to send nations to attack and put you in chains.Select Hosea 10:10

11Once you were obedient like a calf that loved to thresh grain. But I will put a harness on your beautiful neck; you and Judah must plow and cultivate the ground.Select Hosea 10:11

12Plow your fields, scatter seeds of justice, and harvest faithfulness. Worship me, the Lord, and I will send my saving power down like rain.Select Hosea 10:12

13You have planted evil, harvested injustice, and eaten the fruit of your lies. You trusted your own strength and your powerful forces.Select Hosea 10:13

14So war will break out, and your fortresses will be destroyed. Your enemies will do to you what Shalman did to the people of Beth-Arbel— mothers and their children will be beaten to death against rocks.Select Hosea 10:14

15Bethel, this will be your fate because of your evil. Israel, at dawn your king will be killed.Select Hosea 10:15