[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. [2] The LORD has an indictment against Judah, and will
punish Jacob according to his ways, and requite him according to his deeds.
[3] In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he
strove with God. [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-- [5]
the LORD the God of hosts, the LORD is his name: [6] "So you, by the help
of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually
for your God." [7] A trader, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to
oppress. [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.
[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. [10] I spoke to the
prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave
parables. [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] (Jacob fled to the land of
Aram, there Israel did service for a wife, and for a wife he herded sheep.)
[13] By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet
he was preserved. [14] E'phraim has given bitter provocation; so his LORD
will leave his bloodguilt upon him, and will turn back upon him his
reproaches.
