1 Listen to this message, Israelites, which the Lord has spoken against you, against the whole nation that I brought out of Egypt:10 For they do not know how to do right. They are heaping up violence and oppression in their palaces, says the Lord.11 Therefore the Lord God says: An enemy will surround the land, he will strip your strength from you. and your palaces will be looted.12 The Lord says: Just as a shepherd rescues from the jaws of a lion two shinbones or a piece of an ear, so the Israelites living in Sameria will be rescued – with the corner of a couch, and the damask of a divan!13 Listen and testify against the house of Jacob, says the Lord God, the God of hosts.14 On the day when I punish Israel for their crimes, I will also visit in judgment the altars of Bethel, the horns of the altar will be hacked off, and they will fall to the ground.15 I will destroy the winter houses together with the summer houses and the houses of ivory will perish. Many great houses will be swept away, says the Lord.2 You alone have I cared for of all the nations of the world, this is why I will punish you for your crimes.3 Do two walk together unless they agreed to meet?4 Does a lion roar in the forest when there is no prey for him? Does a young lion cry out in his den unless he has caught something?5 Does a bird swoop down into a trap if no bait is set for it? Does a trap spring up from the ground if nothing sets it off?6 Can a trumpet be blown in a city and the people not tremble? Can disaster strike a city and the Lord not have caused it?7 Surely the Lord God does nothing without revealing his purpose to his servants the prophets.8 The lion has roared; who does not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who will not prophesy?9 Proclaim over the palaces in Ashdod, and over the palaces in the land of Egypt: Gather upon the mountain of Samaria, and see the violent turmoil, the acts of oppression in her midst.