Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.
For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no flour; if it were to yield, strangers would devour it.
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound, then Ephraim went to Assyria, and sent to the great king.[4] But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound.
Pul[3] the king of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents[4] of silver, that he might help him to confirm his hold on the royal power.
When I would heal Israel, the iniquity of Ephraim is revealed, and the evil deeds of Samaria; for they deal falsely; the thief breaks in, and the bandits raid outside.
I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.[3]