12
1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, 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 ¶ He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:† 4 Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Beth-el, and there he spake with us; 5 Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. 6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
7 ¶ He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.‡§ 8 And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.**†† 9 And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. 10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.‡‡ 11 Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields. 12 And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. 13 And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. 14 Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.§§***
* 12:2 punish: Heb. visit upon † 12:3 had…: Heb. was a prince, or, behaved himself princely ‡ 12:7 a merchant: or, Canaan § 12:7 oppress: or, deceive ** 12:8 in all…: or, all my labours suffice me not: he shall have punishment of iniquity in whom is sin †† 12:8 that: Heb. which ‡‡ 12:10 ministry: Heb. hand §§ 12:14 most…: Heb. with bitternesses *** 12:14 blood: Heb. bloods