God says that of all the families of the earth he knew Israel, so he will punish them for their sins. Shall two walk together, except they be agreed? A lion roars, and who will not fear? Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing without revealing it to his servants the prophets.
1 Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel , against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt , saying ,
2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth : therefore I will 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 ? will a young lion 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? 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 not be afraid ? shall there be evil in a city , and the LORD hath not done it?
7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing , but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets .
8 The lion hath roared , who will not fear ? the Lord GOD hath spoken , who can but prophesy ?
9 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod , and in the palaces in the land of Egypt , and say , Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria , and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof.
10 For they know not to do right , saith the LORD , who store up violence and robbery in their palaces .
11 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD ; An adversary there shall be even round about the land ; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled .
12 Thus saith the LORD ; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs , or a piece of an ear ; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed , and in Damascus in a couch .
13 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob , saith the Lord GOD , the God of hosts ,
14 That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel : and the horns of the altar shall be cut off , and fall to the ground .
15 And I will smite the winter house with the summer house ; and the houses of ivory shall perish , and the great houses shall have an end , saith the LORD .