Hosea 12

1Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still roams with God and is faithful with the Holy One.

2Ephraim feeds on wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and destruction. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

3Yahweh has a charge against Judah, and he will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him.

4In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his strength he contended with God.

5He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. At Bethel he found him, and there he spoke with us—

6And Yahweh, the God of hosts—Yahweh is his memorial name.

7So you, by your God, return; keep steadfast love and justice, and wait continually for your God.

8A merchant—with deceptive scales in his hand—loves to oppress.

9And Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich; I have found wealth for myself. In all my labor they will not find in me iniquity that is sin.”

10Yet I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.

11I spoke through the prophets; I myself multiplied visions, and through the hand of the prophets I gave parables.

12If Gilead is iniquity, they have surely become nothing; in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; indeed, their altars are like stone heaps on the furrows of the field.

13Jacob fled to the field of Aram; Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept watch.

14By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.

15Ephraim has provoked bitter anger; his bloodguilt will be left on him, and his Lord will repay him for his disgrace.