12:1 Ephraim feeds on wind, And pursues the east wind continually; He multiplies lies and violence. Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria, And oil becomes transported to Egypt. |
12:2 The LORD also has a dispute with Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will repay him according to his deeds. |
12:3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, And in his maturity he contended with God. |
12:4 Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; He wept and sought His favor He found Him at Bethel And there He spoke with us, |
12:5 Even the LORD, the God of hosts, We acknowledge the LORD as His name. |
12:6 Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually. |
12:7 A merchant, in whose hands hold false balances, He loves to oppress. |
12:8 And Ephraim said, "Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; In all my labors they will find in me No iniquity, which would constitute sin." |
12:9 But I have served as the LORD your God since the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, As in the days of the appointed festival. |
12:10 I have also spoken to the prophets, And I gave numerous visions, And through the prophets I gave parables. |
12:11 Does iniquity exist in Gilead? Surely they prove worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, Yes, their altars resemble the stone heaps Beside the furrows of the field. |
12:12 Now Jacob fled to the land of Aram, And Israel worked for a wife, And for a wife he kept sheep. |
12:13 But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel from Egypt, And a prophet kept him. |
12:14 Ephraim has provoked to bitter anger; So his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him And bring back his reproach to him. |