1 Efrayim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Ashur, and oil is carried into Egypt. 2 The LORD also has a controversy with Yehudah, and will punish Ya`akov according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him. 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he contended with God. 4 Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Beit-El, and there he spoke with us, 5 even the LORD, the God Tzeva'ot; The LORD is his name of renown! 6 Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God. 7 A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to defraud. 8 Efrayim said, *Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth. In all my wealth they won't find in me any iniquity that is sin.* 9 *But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast. 10 I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables. 11 If Gil`ad is wicked, surely they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field. 12 Ya`akov fled into the country of Aram, and Yisra'el served to get a wife, and for a wife he tended flocks and herds. 13 By a prophet the LORD brought Yisra'el up out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved. 14 Efrayim has bitterly provoked anger. Therefore his blood will be left on him, and his Lord will repay his contempt. |
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