The Captivity of Ephraim

1Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards,

to the fading flower of his glorious splendor,

set on the summit above the fertile valley,

the pride of those overcome by wine.

2Behold, the Lord has one

who is strong and mighty.

Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest,

like a driving rain or flooding downpour,

he will smash that crown to the ground.

3The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards

will be trampled underfoot.

4The 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.

5On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory,

a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people,

6a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,

and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

7These 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.

8For all their tables are covered with vomit;

there is not a place without filth.

9Whom is He trying to teach?

To whom is He explaining His message?

To infants just weaned from milk?

To babies removed from the breast?

10For they hear:

“Order on order, order on order,

line on line, line on line;

a little here, a little there.”

11Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues,

He will speak to this people 12to 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.

13Then 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.