Hos 12
1
Ephraim striveth after wind, and followeth after the east wind; all the day he multiplieth
lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into
Egypt.
2
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his
ways, according to his doings will He recompense him.
3
In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and by his strength he strove with a
godlike being;
4
So he strove with an angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him;
at Beth-el he would find him, and there he would speak with us;
5
But the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is His name.
6
Therefore turn thou to thy God; keep mercy and justice, and wait for thy God continually.
7
As for the trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand. He loveth to oppress.
8
And Ephraim said: 'Surely I am become rich, I have found me wealth; in all my labours
they shall find in me no iniquity that were sin.'
9
But I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make thee to dwell
in tents, as in the days of the appointed season.
10
I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry
of the prophets have I used similitudes.
11
If Gilead be given to iniquity becoming altogether vanity, in Gilgal they sacrifice
unto bullocks; yea, their altars shall be as heaps in the furrows of the field.
12
And Jacob fled into the field of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife
he kept sheep.
13
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he
kept.
14
Ephraim hath provoked most bitterly; therefore shall his blood be cast upon him, and
his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.