Hosea 10:3-5

Modern English Version

³ For now they will say,
    “We have no king,
because we do not fear the Lord;
    and a king, what could he do for us?”
⁴ They speak mere words,
    swearing falsely
    in making a covenant.
Thus judgment springs up like a poisonous plant
    in the furrows of the field.
⁵ The inhabitants of Samaria fear
    because of the calf of Beth Aven.
For its people mourn for it,
    and its priests shriek for it,
    because its glory has departed from it.