12:1   All day long Israel chases wind from the desert; deceit and violence are found everywhere. Treaties are made with Assyria; olive oil is taken to Egypt.

12:2   The LORD also brings charges against the people of Judah, the descendants of Jacob. He will punish them for what they have done.

12:3   Even before Jacob was born, he cheated his brother, and when he grew up, he fought against God.

12:4   At Bethel, Jacob wrestled with an angel and won; then with tears in his eyes, he asked for a blessing, and God spoke to us there.

12:5   God's name is the LORD, the LORD God All-Powerful.

12:6   So return to your God. Patiently trust him, and show love and justice.

12:7   Israel, you enjoy cheating and taking advantage of others.

12:8   You say to yourself, "I'm rich! I earned it all on my own, without committing a sin."

12:9   Israel, I, the LORD, am still your God, just as I have been since the time you were in Egypt. Now I will force you to live in tents once again, as you did in the desert.

12:10   I spoke to the prophets-- often I spoke in visions. And so, I will send my prophets with messages of doom.

12:11   Gilead is terribly sinful and will end up ruined. Bulls are sacrificed in Gilgal on altars made of stones, but those stones will be scattered in every field.

12:12   Jacob escaped to Syria where he tended sheep to earn himself a wife.

12:13   I sent the prophet Moses to lead Israel from Egypt and to keep them safe.

12:14   Israel, I will make you pay for your terrible sins and for insulting me.