[1] Israel is chasing the wind, yes, shepherding a whirlwind-a dangerous game! For she has given gifts to Egypt and Assyria to get their help, and in return she gets their worthless promises. [2] But the Lord is bringing a lawsuit against Judah. Jacob will be justly punished for his ways. [3] When he was born, he struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. [4] Yes, he wrestled with the Angel and prevailed. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. He met God there at Bethel face-to-face. God spoke to him- [5] the Lord, the God of heaven's armies-Jehovah is his name. [6] Oh, come back to God. Live by the principles of love and justice, and always be expecting much from him, your God. [7] But no, my people are like crafty merchants selling from dishonest scales-they love to cheat. [8] Ephraim boasts, "I am so rich! I have gotten it all by myself!" But riches can't make up for sin. [9] "I am the same Lord, the same God, who delivered you from slavery in Egypt, and I am the one who will consign you to living in tents again, as you do each year at the Tabernacle Feast. [10] I sent my prophets to warn you with many a vision and many a parable and dream." [11] But the sins of Gilgal flourish just the same. Row on row of altars-like furrows in a field-are used for sacrifices to your idols. And Gilead, too, is full of fools who worship idols. [12] Jacob fled to Syria and earned a wife by tending sheep. [13] Then the Lord led his people out of Egypt by a prophet, who guided and protected them. [14] But Ephraim has bitterly provoked the Lord. The Lord will sentence him to death as payment for his sins.
