Hosea 9:10–16

¹⁰The Lord says, “O Israel, when I first found you,

it was like finding fresh grapes in the desert.

When I saw your ancestors,

it was like seeing the first ripe figs of the season.

But then they deserted me for Baal-peor,

giving themselves to that shameful idol.

Soon they became vile,

as vile as the god they worshiped.

¹¹The glory of Israel will fly away like a bird,

for your children will not be born

or grow in the womb

or even be conceived.

¹²Even if you do have children who grow up,

I will take them from you.

It will be a terrible day when I turn away

and leave you alone.

¹³I have watched Israel become as beautiful as Tyre.

But now Israel will bring out her children for slaughter.”

¹⁴O Lord, what should I request for your people?

I will ask for wombs that don’t give birth

and breasts that give no milk.

¹⁵The Lord says, “All their wickedness began at Gilgal;

there I began to hate them.

I will drive them from my land

because of their evil actions.

I will love them no more

because all their leaders are rebels.

¹⁶The people of Israel are struck down.

Their roots are dried up,

and they will bear no more fruit.

And if they give birth,

I will slaughter their beloved children.”