A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, and Jacob

1Ephraim feeds on wind and follows burning heat; all day long he multiplies lies and desolation. And he has entered into a pact with the Assyrians, and he has carried oil into Egypt.

2Therefore, the judgment of the Lord is with Judah and a visitation is upon Jacob. He will repay him according to his ways and according to his inventions.

3In the womb, he supplanted his brother; for in his good fortune, he had been guided by an angel.

4And he prevailed over an angel, for he had been strengthened. He wept and petitioned him. He found him in Bethel, and there he has spoken to us.

5And the Lord God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial.

6And so, you should convert to your God. Keep mercy and judgment, and have hope in your God always.

7Canaan, in his hand is a deceitful balance, he has chosen false accusations.

8And Ephraim has said, “Nevertheless, I have become rich; I have found an idol for myself. All of my labors will not reveal to me the iniquity that I have committed.”

9And I, the Lord your God from the land of Egypt, nevertheless will cause you to dwell in tabernacles, just as during the days of the feast.

10And I have spoken through the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and I have used parables through the hands of the prophets.

11If Gilead is an idol, then they have been sacrificing cattle in Gilgal to no purpose. For even their altars are like clutter on the soil of the field.

12Jacob fled into the region of Syria, and Israel served like a wife, and was served by a wife.

13Yet by a prophet the Lord led Israel out of Egypt, and he was served by a prophet.

14Ephraim has provoked me to wrath with his bitterness, and his blood will overcome him, and his Lord will requite him for his shamefulness.