1 The relation of Israel to God
1 Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, 1 Against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,
2 Deut. 7:6;Ps. 147:19You only have I known of all the families of the earth: 2 Mat. 11:22;Rom. 2:9Therefore I will [a]punish you for all your iniquities.
3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? 4 Will a young lion [b]cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?
5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? 5 Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people [c]not be afraid? 6 Is. 45:7Shall there be evil in a city, [d] do somewhat?and the Lord hath not done it?
7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, 7 But Gen. 6:13;John 15:15he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? 8 The Lord God hath spoken, Acts 4:20who can but prophesy?
9 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, 9 And in the palaces in the land of Egypt, 9 And say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, 9 And behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, 9 And the [e]oppressed in the midst thereof.
10 For they Jer. 4:22know not to do right, saith the Lord, 10 Who store up violence and [f]robbery in their palaces.
11 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; 11 An adversary there shall be even round about the land; 11 And he shall bring down thy strength from thee, 11 And thy palaces shall be spoiled.
12 Thus saith the Lord; 12 As the shepherd [g]taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; 12 So shall the children of Israel be taken out 12 That dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and [h]in Damascus in a couch.
13 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, 13 Saith the Lord God, the God of hosts,
14 That in the day that I shall [i]visit the transgressions of Israel upon him 14 I will also [j]visit the altars of Beth-el: 14 And the horns of the altar shall be cut off, 14 And fall to the ground.
15 And I will smite Jer. 36:22the winter house with Judg. 3:20the summer house; 15 And 1 Ki. 22:39the houses of ivory shall perish, 15 And the great houses shall have an end, saith the Lord.
