1 Ephraim feeds on the windand pursues the east wind all day long;they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria,and oil is carried to Egypt.
2 The Lord has an indictment against Judahand will punish Jacob according to his ways;he will repay 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 us—
5 the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial 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 merchant, in whose hands are false balances,he loves to oppress.
8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich;I have found wealth for myself;in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
9 I am the Lord your Godfrom 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 nothing: in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; their altars also are like stone heaps on the furrows of the field.
12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram;there Israel served for a wife,and for a wife he guarded sheep.
13 By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,and by a prophet he was guarded.
14 Ephraim has given bitter provocation;so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.