1Ephraim shepherds the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence. They cut a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.
2Yahweh has a dispute with Judah, to bring a reckoning upon Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him.
3In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.
4He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. At Bethel he found him, and there he spoke with us —
5even Yahweh, the God of hosts — Yahweh is his memorial name.
6So you — return to your God; keep loyal love and justice, and wait for your God continually.
7A merchant — in his hand are scales of deceit; he loves to oppress.
8And Ephraim said, “Surely I have grown rich; I have found wealth for myself. In all my toil they will find in me no iniquity that is sin.”
9But I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents as in the days of the appointed feast.
10I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets I gave parables.
11If Gilead is iniquity, surely they have become worthless; in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Their altars also are like stone heaps upon the furrows of the field.
12Jacob fled to the country of Aram; Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept watch.
13By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.
14Ephraim has given bitter provocation; so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt upon him and turn back his reproach upon him.
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