[1] "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; According 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 have multiplied visions; 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 heaps in the furrows of the field. [12] Jacob fled to the country of Syria; Israel served for a 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 to anger most bitterly; Therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, And return his reproach upon him.
