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¹ E'phraim herds the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a bargain with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.² The LORD has an indictment against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, and requite him according to his deeds.³ In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.⁴ He strove with the angel and prevailed, he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with him--⁵ the LORD the God of hosts, the LORD is his name:⁶ "So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God."

⁷ A trader, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.⁸ E'phraim has said, "Ah, but I am rich, I have gained wealth for myself": but all his riches can never offset the guilt he has incurred.⁹ I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.¹⁰ I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.¹¹ If there is iniquity in Gilead they shall surely come to nought; if in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls, their altars also shall be like stone heaps on the furrows of the field.¹² (Jacob fled to the land of Aram, there Israel did service for a wife, and for a wife he herded sheep.)¹³ By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.¹⁴ E'phraim has given bitter provocation; so his LORD will leave his bloodguilt upon him, and will turn back upon him his reproaches.