The Lord Refutes Israel’s False Claim of Innocence

7 The businessmen love to cheat;

they use dishonest scales.

8 Ephraim boasts, “I am very rich!

I have become wealthy!

In all that I have done to gain my wealth,

no one can accuse me of any offense that is actually sinful.”

9 “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt;

I will make you live in tents again as in the days of old.

10 I spoke to the prophets;

I myself revealed many visions;

I spoke in parables through the prophets.”

11 Is there idolatry in Gilead?

Certainly its inhabitants will come to nothing!

Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal?

Surely their altars will be like stones heaped up on a plowed field!