9For they have gone up to Assyria

like a wild donkey wandering alone.

Ephraim has sold herself to lovers.

10Although they have sold themselves among the nations,

I will now gather them together.

They will begin to waste away

under the oppression of the mighty king.

11“Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,

these have become altars for sinning.

12I wrote for them the many things of my law,

but they regarded them as something alien.

13They offer sacrifices given to me

and they eat the meat,

but the Lord is not pleased with them.

Now he will remember their wickedness

and punish their sins:

They will return to Egypt.

14Israel has forgotten his Maker

and built palaces;

Judah has fortified many towns.

But I will send fire upon their cities

that will consume their fortresses.”