8Israel has come to destruction; now they are among the nations like a cup in which there is no pleasure.
9For they have gone up to Assyria like an ass going by himself; Ephraim has given money to get lovers.
10But though they give money to the nations for help, still I will send them in all directions; and in a short time they will be without a king and rulers.
11Because Ephraim has been increasing altars for sin, altars have become a cause of sin to him.
12Though I put my law in writing for him in ten thousand rules, they are to him as a strange thing.
13He gives the offerings of his lovers, and takes the flesh for food; but the Lord has no pleasure in them; now he will keep in mind their evil-doing and give them the punishment of their sins; they will go back to Egypt.
14For Israel has no memory of his Maker, and has put up the houses of kings; and Judah has made great the number of his walled towns. But I will send a fire on his towns and put an end to his great houses.