[1] Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.
[2] The LORD also brings a charge against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
[3] In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.
[4] Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there —
[5] the LORD is the God of Hosts— the LORD is His name of renown.
[6] But you must return to your God, maintaining love and justice, and always waiting on your God.
[7] A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.
[8] And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.”
[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 spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets.
[11] Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field.
[12] Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife— for a wife he tended sheep.
[13] But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.
[14] Ephraim has provoked bitter anger, so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt upon him and repay him for his contempt.