The Captivity of Ephraim

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.

vvv 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.

14