1Ephraim feeds on the wind, chasing after the east wind. He continuously multiplies lies and destruction. They make an agreement with Assyria, and carry olive oil as a gift to Egypt.
2Yahweh also has a disagreement with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his actions.
3While in the womb, he grabbed his brother's heel; and as an adult, he struggled with God.
4Indeed, he struggled with the angel and won. He cried and pleaded with him. He found him at Bethel, and there He spoke with us,
5even Yahweh, the God of Armies; Yahweh is his famous name!
6So, turn to your God. Maintain kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.
7A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to cheat.
8Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself. In all my wealth, they won’t find any wrongdoing in me that is sinful.”
9“But I am Yahweh your God since you were in the land of Egypt. I will again make you live in tents, as in the days of the special feast.
10I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have given many visions; and through the prophets, I have used parables.
11If Gilead is wicked, then its people are certainly worthless. In Gilgal, they sacrifice bulls. Indeed, their altars are like piles of stones in the furrows of a field.
12Jacob fled to the country of Aram, and Israel worked to get a wife, and for a wife he tended flocks and herds.
13By a prophet, Yahweh led Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet, he was protected.
14Ephraim has caused bitter anger. Therefore, his blood will be on his own head, and his Lord will repay his contempt.