9 Proclaim this in the fortresses at Ashdod,

≈and in the strongholds in Egypt,

saying, “Assemble yourselves on Shomron’s mountains

and see what great confusion is in her,

≈and what oppression is in her.

10 Yahweh declares that they don’t know how to do right.

They store up violence and destruction in their fortresses.”

11 Therefore, this is what the master Yahweh says:

“An enemy will surround the land,

and pull down your strongholds

and plunder your fortresses.”

12 This is what Yahweh says:

“Just as the shepherd rescues out of the lion’s mouth two legs only, or a piece of an ear,

≈so will the Israelis who live in Shomron be rescued with only the corner of a couch or a piece of a bed.” 13 Take notice of this and testify against Yakob’s descendants.

That is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts.

14 “On the day that I bring punishment for Israel’s sins to her, I’ll also bring punishment on the altars of Beyt-El. The altar’s horns will be cut off and fall to the ground.[ref] 15 I’ll destroy the winter house along with the summer house. The houses of ivory will perish, and the large houses will vanish.

That is Yahweh’s declaration.”

4 Listen to this message, you women like the cows of Bashan on Shomron’s mountain—

you who oppress the poor,

≈you who crush the needy,

you who say to your husbands,

“Bring us drinks.”

2 My master Yahweh has sworn by his own sinlessness saying,

“Listen, the time will come

when they’ll take you all away with hooks—

≈the last of you with fish-hooks.

3 You’ll all be taken straight out through breaks in the city wall,

and you’ll be thrown out toward Harmon.

That is Yahweh’s declaration.”