1Ephraim herds the wind,

and pursues the east wind all day long;

they multiply falsehood and violence;

they make a treaty with Assyria,

and oil is carried to Egypt.

The Long History of Rebellion

2The LORD has an indictment against Judah,

and will punish Jacob according to his ways,

and repay him according to his deeds.

3In the womb he tried to supplant his brother,

and in his manhood he strove with God.

4He strove with the angel and prevailed,

he wept and sought his favour;

he met him at Bethel,

and there he spoke with him.12.4 Gk Syr: Heb us

5The LORD the God of hosts,

the LORD is his name!

6But as for you, return to your God,

hold fast to love and justice,

and wait continually for your God.

7A trader, in whose hands are false balances,

he loves to oppress.

8Ephraim has said, ‘Ah, I am rich,

I have gained wealth for myself;

in all of my gain

no offence has been found in me

that would be sin.’12.8 Meaning of Heb uncertain

9I am the LORD your God

from the land of Egypt;

I will make you live in tents again,

as on the days of the appointed festival.

10I spoke to the prophets;

it was I who multiplied visions,

and through the prophets I will bring destruction.

11In Gilead12.11 Compare Syr: Heb Gilead there is iniquity,

they shall surely come to nothing.

In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls,

so their altars shall be like stone heaps

on the furrows of the field.

12Jacob fled to the land of Aram;

there Israel served for a wife,

and for a wife he guarded sheep.12.12 Heb lacks sheep

13By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt,

and by a prophet he was guarded.

14Ephraim has given bitter offence,

so his Lord will bring his crimes down on him

and pay him back for his insults.