5. I knew (recognized, understood, and had regard for) you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.
6. According to their pasture, so were they filled [when they fed, they grew full], and their heart was lifted up; therefore have they forgotten Me.
7. Therefore I have become to them like a lion; like a leopard I will lurk by the way [to Assyria] and watch them.
8. I will meet them like a bear that is robbed of her cubs, and I will rend the covering of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lioness, as a wild beast would tear them.