1
Ephraim herds the wind,
and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
they make a treaty with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.
2
The
and will punish Jacob according to his ways,
and repay him according to his deeds.
3
In the womb he tried to supplant his brother,
and in his manhood he strove with God.
4
He strove with the angel and prevailed,
he wept and sought his favor;
he met him at Bethel,
and there he spoke with him. 1
5
The
the
6
But as for you, return to your God,
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
Ephraim has said, "Ah, I am rich,
I have gained wealth for myself;
in all of my gain
no offense has been found in me
that would be sin." 2
9
I am the
from the land of Egypt;
I will make you live in tents again,
as in the days of the appointed festival.
10
I spoke to the prophets;
it was I who multiplied visions,
and through the prophets I will bring destruction.
11
In Gilead 3 there is iniquity,
they shall surely come to nothing.
In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls,
so their altars shall be like stone heaps
on the furrows of the field.
12
Jacob fled to the land of Aram,
there Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he guarded sheep. 4
13
By a prophet the
and by a prophet he was guarded.
14
Ephraim has given bitter offense,
so his Lord will bring his crimes down on him
and pay him back for his insults.