-
12:1 Ephraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a treaty with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt. 12:2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and repay him according to his deeds. 12:3 In the womb he tried to supplant his brother, and in his manhood he strove with God. 12:4 He strove with the angel and prevailed, he wept and sought his favor; he met him at Bethel, and there he spoke with him. 12:5 The LORD the God of hosts, the LORD is his name! 12:6 But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God. 12:7 A trader, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress. 12:8 Ephraim has said, "Ah, I am rich, I have gained wealth for myself; in all of my gain no offense has been found in me that would be sin." 12:9 I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, as in the days of the appointed festival. 12:10 I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets I will bring destruction. 12:11 In Gilead there is iniquity, they shall surely come to nothing. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, so their altars shall be like stone heaps on the furrows of the field. 12:12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram, there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he guarded sheep. 12:13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded. 12:14 Ephraim has given bitter offense, so his Lord will bring his crimes down on him and pay him back for his insults.