3 The fortress disappears from Ephraim,i

and a kingdom from Damascus.

The remnant of Aram will be

like the splendor of the Israelites.

This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies.

JUDGMENT AGAINST ISRAEL

4 On that day

the splendor of Jacob will fade,

and his healthy bodyC will become emaciated.j

5 It will be as if a reaper had gathered standing grain—

his arm harvesting the heads of grain—

and as if one had gleaned heads of grain

in Rephaim Valley.k

6 Only gleanings will be left in Israel,l

as if an olive tree had been beaten—

two or three olives at the very top of the tree,

four or five on its fruitful branches.

This is the declaration of the Lord,

the God of Israel.