1Ephraim feeds on wind, and runs after the east wind. Every day he adds more lies and more ruin. They make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
2The LORD has a case against Judah too. He will punish Jacob for his ways; he will pay him back for what he has done.
3In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his strength he had power with God.
4Yes, he had power over the angel, and won. He wept, and begged him for favour. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us;
5that is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is his memorial.
6So turn back to your God. Keep mercy and justice, and wait on your God always.
7He is a merchant with dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to crush others.
8And Ephraim said, "Still, I have become rich. I have gained wealth for myself. In all my work they will find no wrongdoing in me that is sin."
9"And I, the LORD your God from the land of Egypt, will yet make you live in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast."
10"I have also spoken by the prophets. I have given many visions, and used pictures and likenesses through the prophets."
11"Is there wrongdoing in Gilead? Surely they are worthless. They sacrifice bulls in Gilgal. Yes, their altars are like heaps of stones in the furrows of the fields."
12"And Jacob fled into the country of Syria. Israel served to win a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep."
13"And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was kept safe."
14"Ephraim stirred up his anger most bitterly. So his Lord will leave his blood upon him, and will turn his shame back on him."