1 Israel Has Not Returned to God
1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, 1 you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy 1 and say to your husbands, "Bring us some drinks!"
2 The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his holiness: 2 "The time will surely come 2 when you will be taken away with hooks, 2 the last of you with fishhooks.
3 You will each go straight out 3 through breaks in the wall, 3 and you will be cast out toward Harmon,[a] " 3 declares the Lord.
4 "Go to Bethel and sin; 4 go to Gilgal and sin yet more. 4 Bring your sacrifices every morning, 4 your tithes every three years.[b]
5 Burn leavened bread as a thank offering 5 and brag about your freewill offerings— 5 boast about them, you Israelites, 5 for this is what you love to do," 5 declares the Sovereign Lord.
