He has taken my wealth away from me. He has stripped me of my honor.
He removes the wisdom of rulers and leads them away. He makes judges look foolish.
He removes the authority of priests and leads them away. He removes from their positions officials who have been in control for a long time.
“I’ve sewed rough clothing over my skin. All I can do is sit here in the dust.
“But now those who are younger than I am make fun of me. I wouldn’t even put their parents with my sheep dogs!
You have broken the covenant you made with him. You have thrown your servant’s crown into the dirt.
You have broken through the walls around his city. You have completely destroyed his secure places.
You have put an end to his glory. You have knocked his throne to the ground.
Riches don’t last forever. And a crown is not secure for all time to come.
You will be called priests of the Lord. You will be named workers for our God. You will enjoy the wealth of nations. You will brag about getting their riches.
All of our honor is gone. How terrible it is for us because we have sinned!
Ephraim’s greatness and glory will be gone. It will fly away like a bird. Women will no longer have children. They will not be able to get pregnant.