"EPHRAIM feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind ; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians and oil is carried to Egypt.
2 The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways ; accordong to his deeds He will recompense him.
3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he struggled with God.
4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed ; he wept and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us -
5 That is, the LORD God of hosts . The LORD is His memorable name.
6 So you, by the help of your God, return ; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.
7 "A cunning Canaanite ! Deceitful scales are in his hand ; he loves to oppress.
8 And Ephraim said,'surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself ; in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.'
9 "But I am the LORD your God, ever since the land of Egypt ; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.
10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and multiplied vision ; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets. "
11 Though Gilead has idols - surely they are vanity - though they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal, indeed their altars shall be heap in the furrows of the field.
12 Jacob fled to the countery of Syria ; Israel served for spouse, and for a wife he tended sheep.
13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.
14 Ephraim provoked Him anger most bitterly ; therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, and return his reproach upon him.Hosea 12