Hosea 12:1-8 ▼

1 Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) feeds on the wind {ruach} and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria (a step) and sends olive oil to Egypt (land of bondage).

2 The LORD {YHWH} has a charge to bring against Judah (praised). He will punish Jacob (he grasps the heel) according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.

3 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God {Elohim}.

4 Yes, he struggled with the angel (Angel) and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor (house of God); he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there [and there He spoke with us]

5 the LORD God {YHWH Elohe} of Hosts, the LORD is His name of renown.

6 But you must return to your God {Elohim}; maintain love and justice, and always wait on your God.

7 A merchant (lowland) loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.

8 And Ephraim (doubly fruitful) boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.”