9 “Yes, Yisrael, you’ve been sinning since the time of Gibeah.[ref]

There they have remained.

Won’t the war against the sons of injustice overtake them in Gibeah?

10 When I’m ready, I’ll discipline them,

and the nations will be gathered against them when they’re taken in chains for their two sins.

11 Efrayim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh and I spared her fair neck,

but I will harness Efrayim.

≈ Yehudah will plough.

≈ Yakov will harrow the ground for himself.

12 Sow righteousness for yourselves.

→ Harvest in accordance with loyal commitment.

Break up your fallow ground because it’s time to seek Yahweh,

→ until he comes and rains righteousness on you.

13 You have ploughed wickedness and harvested injustice.

You’ve eaten the fruit of lies

because you trusted in your own way—in your many warriors.

14 Therefore a confused alarm will sound among your people and all your fortresses will be destroyed,

≈ just like Shalman destroyed Beyt-Arbel on the day of battle when mothers were dashed to pieces with their children.

15 Then it will also be done to you, Beyt-El, because of your great wickedness.

At dawn, Yisrael’s king will be destroyed.”