1Ephraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply lies and violence; they make a treaty with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.
2The LORD has a charge against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and respond to him according to his deeds.
3From the womb he tried to be the oldest of twin brothers; as an adult he struggled with God.
4He struggled with the messenger and survived; he wept and sought his favor; he met him at Bethel, and there he spoke with him.
5The LORD God of heavenly forces, the LORD is his name!
6But you! Return to your God with faithful love and justice, and wait continually for your God.
7He is a merchant; the means to cheat are in his hands; he loves to take advantage of others.
8Ephraim has said, "I'm rich, I've gained wealth for myself; in all of my gain no offense has been found in me that would be sin."
9I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, as in former days.
10I spoke to the prophets; and I multiplied visions, and through them I uttered parables.
11In Gilead there is wickedness; they will surely come to nothing. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, so their altars will be like piles of stones on the rows of the field.
12Jacob fled to the land of Aram; there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept watch over livestock.
13By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.
14Ephraim has given bitter offense; so the LORD will bring his crimes down on him and pay him back for his wrongdoing.