12:1 "Ephraim feeds on wind and follows after the east wind. He daily multiplies lies and desolation. And they make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. |
12:2 The LORD also has a quarrel with Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings He will repay him. |
12:3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God. |
12:4 Yes, he wept and cried to Him, and he had struggled with the Angel and he prevailed. He found him in Bethel, and there He spoke with us, |
12:5 Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is His name. |
12:6 Therefore return to your God; keep mercy and judgment, and wait for your God continually. |
12:7 "He is a merchant; the balances of deceit are in his hand; he loves to oppress. |
12:8 And Ephraim said, 'Yet I have become rich, I have found much wealth for myself. In all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.' |
12:9 And I the LORD, who have been your God from the land of Egypt, will yet make you to dwell in tents as in the days of the appointed feast. |
12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and have used parables by the hand of the prophets." |
12:11 Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are altogether vanity; they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal. Yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields. |
12:12 And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. |
12:13 And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was kept. |
12:14 Ephraim provoked Me to anger most bitterly; therefore his blood shall be cast upon him, and his Lord shall return his reproach unto him. |