-
12:1 E'phraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long;they multiply falsehood and violence;they make a bargain 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 requite him according to his deeds. 12:3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, 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 God at Bethel, and there God spoke with him -- 12:5 the LORD the God of hosts, the LORD is his name: 12:6 'So you, by the help of your God, return, 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 E'phraim has said, 'Ah, but I am rich, I have gained wealth for myself': but all his riches can never offset the guilt he has incurred. 12:9 I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt;I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast. 12:10 I spoke to the prophets;it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables. 12:11 If there is iniquity in Gilead they shall surely come to nought;if in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, their altars also shall be like stone heaps on the furrows of the field. 12:12 (Jacob fled to the land of Aram, there Israel did service for a wife, and for a wife he herded sheep.) 12:13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved. 12:14 E'phraim has given bitter provocation;so his LORD will leave his bloodguilt upon him, and will turn back upon him his reproaches.