1EPHRAIM feeds on wind and follows after the tempest all the day long; they have multiplied lies and prey; they have made a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2The LORD has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; and according to his devices will he recompense him.

3In the womb he deceived his brother, and by his might he became great in the presence of God;

4Yea, he prevailed over the angel, he made supplication to him; he found him in Beth-el, and there he spoke with him.

5Even the LORD the God of hosts has remembered him.

6Therefore return to your God; keep mercy and justice, and wait for your God continually.

7The balances of deceit are in the hand of Canaan, he loves to oppress.

8And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found grief; but all my labors will not be enough to rid me of the sin which I have sinned.

9I am the LORD your God who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. I will again make you to dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feasts.

10I have spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and used similitudes by the ministry of the prophets.

11In Gilead you suffered pain, and in Gilgal you sacrificed bullocks to falsehood; your altars are like dry stalks in a barren field.

12Jacob fled to the land of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep.

13And by the prophets the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by the prophets was he preserved.

14Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly; therefore his blood shall come upon him, and his reproach shall his LORD return to him.