1 "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; According 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 have multiplied visions; 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 heaps 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 to anger most bitterly; Therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, And return his reproach upon him. |