Hos 12
1
Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he continually multiplies
lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into
Egypt.
2
YHWH has 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 in his manhood he had power with
God:
4
yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to
him: he found him at Beth-el, and there he spoke with us,
5
even YHWH, the God of hosts; YHWH is his memorial [name].
6
Therefore turn you to your God: keep kindness and justice, and wait for your God continually.
7
[He is] a trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loves to oppress.
8
And Ephraim said, Surely I am become rich, I have found me wealth: in all my labors
they shall find in me no iniquity that were sin.
9
But I am YHWH your God from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make you to dwell
in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.
10
I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry
of the prophets have I used similitudes.
11
Is Gilead iniquity? they are altogether false; in Gilgal they sacrifice bullocks;
yea, their altars are 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 YHWH brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.
14
Ephraim has provoked to anger most bitterly: therefore shall his blood be left upon
him, and his reproach shall his Lord return to him.