The Captivity of Ephraim

28 Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s[fn] drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, [the pride] of those overcome by wine.

2 Behold, the Lord [has one ] [who is] strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour he will smash [that crown] to the ground.

3 The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot

4 The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, [set] on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand [and] swallow it.

5 On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people,

6 a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

7 These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments.

8 For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth.

9 Whom is He trying to teach To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast?

10 For [they hear]:[fn] “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line;[fn] a little here, a little there.”

11 Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people[fn]

12 to whom He has said “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen.

13 Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.