Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The men, women, and children of Israel will be slain by the sword. Yet, Yahweh will have mercy and restore the people in its land.
II. Photo
God voices his wrath: “They shall fall by the sword, their infants shall be dashed to death, and their women with child ripped open!” (v. 1b)
III. Important Verses
1: Samaria must bear her guilt, For she has defied her God. They shall fall by the sword, Their infants shall be dashed to death, And their women with child ripped open.
2-4: Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, For you have fallen because of your sin. Take words with you And return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Forgive all guilt And accept what is good; Instead of bulls we will pay [The offering of] our lips. Assyria shall not save us, No more will we ride on steeds; Nor ever again will we call Our handiwork our god, Since in You alone orphans find pity!”
5-6: I will heal their affliction, Generously will I take them back in love; For My anger has turned away from them. I will be to Israel like dew; He shall blossom like the lily, He shall strike root like a Lebanon tree.
10: He who is wise will consider these words, He who is prudent will take note of them. For the paths of the LORD are smooth; The righteous can walk on them, While sinners stumble on them.
IV. Outline
1. God decrees death upon Israel’s men, women, and children
2-4. Exhortation to return to God
5-9. God will accept Israel and support it
10. Postscript: The righteous follow God and the sinners stumble
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Photo taken from http://www.caitlinmaloneyphotographyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/10_1914.jpg
