3:9 Make this announcement in the fortresses of Ashdod
and in the fortresses in the land of Egypt.
Say this:
“Gather on the hills around Samaria!
Observe the many acts of violence taking place within the city,
the oppressive deeds occurring in it.”
3:10 “They do not know how to do what is right.” (The Lord is speaking.)
“They store up the spoils of destructive violence in their fortresses.
3:11 Therefore,” says the sovereign Lord, “an enemy will encircle the land.
He will take away your power;
your fortresses will be looted.”
3:12 This is what the Lord says:
“Just as a shepherd salvages from the lion’s mouth a couple of leg bones or a piece of an ear,
so the Israelites who live in Samaria will be salvaged.
They will be left with just a corner of a bed,
and a part of a couch.”
3:13 Listen and warn the family of Jacob!
The sovereign Lord, the God who commands armies, is speaking!
3:14 “Certainly when I punish Israel for their covenant transgressions,
I will destroy Bethel’s altars.
The horns of the altar will be cut off and fall to the ground.
3:15 I will destroy both the winter and summer houses.
The houses filled with ivory will be ruined,
the great houses will be swept away.”
The Lord is speaking!
4:1 Listen to this message, you cows of Bashan who live on Mount Samaria!
You oppress the poor;
you crush the needy.
You say to your husbands,
“Bring us more to drink!”
4:2 The sovereign Lord confirms this oath by his own holy character:
“Certainly the time is approaching
when you will be carried away in baskets,
every last one of you in fishermen’s pots.
4:3 Each of you will go straight through the gaps in the walls;
you will be thrown out toward Harmon.”
The Lord is speaking!