Hosea 12:1-8 ▼

1 Ephraim feeds on wind And pursues the east wind continually; He abounds in falsehood and destruction. Moreover, he cuts a covenant with Assyria, And oil is carried to Egypt.

2 And Yahweh has a contention with Judah And will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will cause everything to return to him according to his deeds.

3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, And in his maturity he wrestled with God.

4 Indeed, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; He wept and sought His favor. He found Him at Bethel, And there He spoke with us,

5 Even Yahweh, the God of hosts, Yahweh is His name of remembrance.

6 Therefore, return to your God, Keep lovingkindness and justice, And hope in your God continually.

7 A merchant, in whose hands are deceptive balances, He loves to oppress.

8 And Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich; I have found wealth for myself; In all my labors they will find in me No iniquity, which would be sin.”