1 ¶ Ephraim feeds on the wind, and chases the east wind: he daily increases violence and lies; they make a treaty with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will pay him back for what he does.

3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in the strength of manhood he fought with God:

4 Yes, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and sought his favor: he found him in Bethel, and there God talked to him;

5 Even the LORD God of hosts; Jahweh is his name.

6 Therefore turn to your God: be kind and just, and always look confidently to your God.

7 ¶ Ephraim is a merchant, with dishonest scales in his hand: he loves to cheat.

8 Ephraim says, But I have become rich, I have earned my own riches: in all my earnings no one can find anything wrong that is a sin.

9 But I have been the LORD your God from the land of Egypt. I will make you live in tents again, as in the days long ago.

10 I have spoken through the prophets, and given them many visions, and provided illustrations, through the ministry of the prophets.

11 There is evildoing in Gilead, surely they will come to nothing: they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal; yes, their altars are like piles of stones beside the furrows of the fields.

12 When Jacob fled into the country of Syria, Israel worked for a wife, and for a wife kept sheep.

13 And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet Israel was kept safe.

14 Ephraim has provoked me to bitter anger: therefore his guilt for shedding blood will remain upon him, and the Lord will pay him back for his contempt.