1 “Ephraimfeeds on the wind,

And pursues the east wind;

He daily increases lies and desolation.

Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians,

Andoil is carried to Egypt.

2 “TheLordalsobringsa charge against Judah,

And will punish Jacob according to his ways;

According to his deeds He will recompense him.

3 He took his brotherby the heel in the womb,

And in his strength hestruggled with God.

4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed;

He wept, and sought favor from Him.

He found HiminBethel,

And there He spoke to us—

5 That is, theLordGod of hosts.

TheLordisHismemorable name.

6 So you, bythehelpofyour God, return;

Observe mercy and justice,

And wait on your God continually.

7 “A cunning Canaanite!

Deceitful scalesarein his hand;

He loves to oppress.

8 And Ephraim said,

‘Surely I have become rich,

I have found wealth for myself;

Inall my labors

They shall find in me no iniquity thatissin.’

9 “But IamtheLordyour 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 ThoughGileadhasidols—

Surely they are vanity—

Though they sacrifice bulls inGilgal,

Indeed their altarsshallbeheaps in the furrows of the field.

12 Jacobfled to the country of Syria;

Israel served for a spouse,

And for a wife he tendedsheep.

13 By a prophet theLordbrought Israel out of Egypt,

And by a prophet he was preserved.

14 EphraimprovokedHimto anger most bitterly;

Therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him,

And return his reproach upon him.