So King Jeroboam asked for advice. Then he made two golden statues that looked like calves. He said to the people, “It’s too hard for you to go up to Jerusalem. Israel, here are your gods who brought you up out of Egypt.”
The Lord had made Judah less powerful because of Ahaz, their king. Ahaz had stirred up the people of Judah to do evil things. He hadn’t been faithful to the Lord at all.
So I will go to the leaders. I’ll speak to them. They should know how the Lord wants them to live. They must know what their God requires of them.” But all of them had broken off the yoke the Lord had put on them. They had torn off the ropes he had tied them up with.
I will pay for all the sins you have committed. Then you will remember what you have done. You will be ashamed of it. Because of your shame, you will never speak against me again,” announces the Lord and King.
Many people who lie dead in their graves will wake up. Some will rise up to life that will never end. Others will rise up to shame that will never end.
If she doesn’t stop it, I will strip her naked. I’ll make her as bare as she was on the day she was born. I’ll make her like a desert. She will become like dry land. And I’ll let her die of thirst.
You who live in the town of Shaphir, leave naked and in shame. Those who live in Zaanan won’t come out to help you. The people in Beth Ezel will mourn. They won’t be able to help keep you safe any longer.
“Look! I am coming like a thief! Blessed is anyone who stays awake and keeps their clothes on. Then they will be ready. They will not be caught naked and so be put to shame.”