A (1) When I would have healed ISRAEL,

B (1, 2) then the iniquity OF EPHRAIM was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.

C (3) They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. They are all adulterers, as an oven HEATED <01197>

D (3) BY THE BAKER, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.

E (5) In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.

D′ (6) For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: THEIR BAKER sleepeth all the night;

C′ (6, 7) in the morning IT BURNETH <01197> as a flaming fire. They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me.

B′ (8, 9) EPHRAIM, he hath mixed himself among the people; EPHRAIM is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.

A′ (10) And the pride OF ISRAEL testifieth to his face: and they do not return to Yahweh their God, nor seek him for all this.