Hosea 8

English NASU 1989 - New American Standard Update - Only for Website

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1A trumpet to your lips, You who watch over the house of the LORD! Since they have violated my covenant, and sinned against my law,

2While to me they cry out, "O, God of Israel, we know you!"

3The men of Israel have thrown away what is good; the enemy shall pursue them.

4They made kings, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction.

5Cast away your calf, O Samaria! my wrath is kindled against them; How long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel?

6The work of an artisan no god at all, Destined for the flames-- such is the calf of Samaria!

7When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it.

8Israel is swallowed up; he is now among the nations a thing of no value.

9They went up to Assyria-- a wild ass off on its own-- Ephraim bargained for lovers.

10Even though they bargain with the nations, I will now gather an army; King and princes shall shortly succumb under the burden.

11When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin.

12Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger's.

13Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the LORD is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

14Israel has forgotten his maker and built palaces. Judah, too, has fortified many cities, but I will send fire upon his cities, to devour their castles.

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