[1] Ephraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply lies and violence; they make a treaty with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt. [2] The LORD has a charge against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and respond to him according to his deeds. [3] From the womb he tried to be the oldest of twin brothers; as an adult he struggled with God. [4] He struggled with the messenger and survived; he wept and sought his favor; he met him at Bethel, and there he spoke with him. [5] The LORD God of heavenly forces, the LORD is his name! [6] But you! Return to your God with faithful love and justice, and wait continually for your God. [7] He is a merchant; the means to cheat are in his hands; he loves to take advantage of others. [8] Ephraim has said, “I’m rich, I’ve gained wealth for myself; in all of my gain no offense has been found in me that would be sin.” [9] I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, as in former days. [10] I spoke to the prophets; and I multiplied visions, and through them I uttered parables. [11] In Gilead there is wickedness; they will surely come to nothing. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, so their altars will be like piles of stones on the rows of the field. [12] Jacob fled to the land of Aram; there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept watch over livestock. [13] By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded. [14] Ephraim has given bitter offense; so the LORD will bring his crimes down on him and pay him back for his wrongdoing.
