Hosea 12

1 Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he continually multiplies lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 Yahweh has also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he had power with God:

4 yes, he had power over the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him: he found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us,

5 even Yahweh, the God of hosts; Yahweh is his memorial [name].

6 Therefore turn you to your God: keep kindness and justice, and wait for your God continually.

7 [He is] a trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loves to oppress.

8 Ephraim said, Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth: in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.

9 But I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make you to 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 have I used parables.

11 Is Gilead iniquity? they are altogether false; in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; yes, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the field.

12 Jacob fled into the field of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep].

13 By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

14 Ephraim has provoked to anger most bitterly: therefore shall his blood be left on him, and his reproach shall his Lord return to him.