1 Ephrayim is feeding on wind, and pursuing an east wind. All the day he increases falsehood and ruin. And they make a covenant with Ashshur, and oil is sent to Mitsrayim.
2 And יהוה has a controversy with Yehuḏah, to punish Ya‛aqoḇ according to his ways, to repay him according to his deeds.
3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he strove with Elohim.
4 He strove with the Messenger and overcame, he wept and sought His favour. He found Him in Bĕyth Ěl, and there He spoke to us –
5 even יהוה Elohim of hosts, יהוה is His remembrance.
6 Therefore, return to your Elohim. Guard kindness and right-ruling, and wait on your Elohim continually.
7 A merchant! In his hand are scales of deceit, he loved to oppress.
8 And Ephrayim says, “Indeed, I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself. In all my labours they shall find in me no crookedness that is sin.”
9 “But I am יהוה your Elohim since the land of Mitsrayim, again I shall make you dwell in tents as in the days of the appointed time.
10 “And I have spoken to the prophets, and have increased visions. And through the prophets I gave parables.”
11 Is Gil‛aḏ wicked? Certainly, they have been false! In Gilgal they have offered bulls. Also their altars are as heaps on a ploughed field.
12 And when Ya‛aqoḇ fled to the country of Aram, Yisra’ĕl served for a wife, and for a wife he kept watch.
13 And by a prophet יהוה brought Yisra’ĕl out of Mitsrayim, and by a prophet he was watched over.
14 Ephrayim has provoked most bitterly. So his Master left his blood-guilt on him, and repaid him for his reproach.