"EPHRAIM feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried to Egypt.

2 The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; accordong to his deeds He will recompense him.

3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he struggled with God.

4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; he wept and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us -

5 That is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name.

6 So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.

7 "A cunning Canaanite! Deceitful scales are in his hand; he loves to oppress.

8 And Ephraim said, 'surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.'

9 "But I am the LORD your God, ever since the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.

10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and multiplied vision; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets."

11 Though Gilead has idols - surely they are vanity - though they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal, indeed their altars shall be heap in the furrows of the field.

12 Jacob fled to the country of Syria; Israel served for a spouse, and for a wife he tended sheep.

13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.

14 Ephraim provoked Him anger most bitterly; therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, and return his reproach upon him. HOSEA 12