Therefore, I will soon fence her in with thorns; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.

Although they bring their flocks and herds to seek the favor of the Lord, They will not find him – he has withdrawn himself from them!

Then she will pursue her lovers, but she will not catch them; she will seek them, but she will not find them. Then she will say, “I will go back to my husband, because I was better off then than I am now.”

When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the wilderness. I viewed your ancestors like an early fig on a fig tree in its first season. Then they came to Baal-Peor and they dedicated themselves to shame – they became as detestable as what they loved.

Assyria cannot save us; we will not ride warhorses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods’ to what our own hands have made. For only you will show compassion to Orphan Israel!”

Ephraim boasts, “I am very rich! I have become wealthy! In all that I have done to gain my wealth, no one can accuse me of any offense that is actually sinful.”

Do not let anyone accuse or contend against anyone else: for my case is against you priests!

They consume their alcohol, then engage in cult prostitution; they dearly love their shameful behavior.

The arrogance of Israel testifies against him, yet they refuse to return to the Lord their God! In spite of all this they refuse to seek him!