1 E phraim herds and feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind; every day he increases lies and violence, and a covenant is made with Assyria and oil is carried to Egypt.

2 T he Lord has also a controversy (a pleading contention) with Judah, and will punish Jacob by visiting upon him according to his ways; according to his doings will He recompense him.

3 H e took his brother by the heel in womb, and in the strength he contended and had power with God.

4 Y es, he had power over the Angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor. He met Him in Bethel, and there spoke with us—

5 E ven the Lord the God of hosts, the name of Him is the Lord.

6 T herefore return to your God! Hold fast to love and mercy, to righteousness and justice, and wait for your God continually!

7 C anaan is a trader; the balances of deceit are in his hand; he loves to oppress and defraud.

8 E phraim has said, Ah, but I have become rich; I have gained for myself wealth. All my profits shall bring on me no iniquity that would be sin.

9 B ut I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt will yet make you to dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed and solemn Feast.

10 I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and through parables acted out by the prophets.

11 I f Gilead is given over to idolatry, they shall come to nought and be mere waste; if they sacrificing bullocks in Gilgal, their altars shall be like heaps in the furrows of the fields.

12 J acob fled into the open country of Aram or Padan-aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he herded sheep.

13 A nd by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was preserved.

14 E phraim has provoked most bitter anger; therefore shall his blood be left upon him, and his disgrace and reproach shall his Lord return upon him.