1 Ephraim Reminded Ephraim feeds on the [emptiness of the] windAnd [continually] pursues the [parching] east wind [which brings destruction];Every day he multiplies lies and violence.Further, he makes a covenant with AssyriaAnd (olive) oil is carried to Egypt [to seek alliances].
2 The Lalso has a dispute [a legal complaint and an indictment] with Judah,And He will punish Jacob in accordance with his ways;He will repay him in accordance with his deeds.
3 Intheir mother’swomb he took his brother by the heel,And in his maturity he contended with God.
4 He wrestled with the angel and prevailed;He wept [in repentance] and sought His favor.He met Him at BethelAnd there God spoke with [him and through him with] us—
5 Even the L, the God of hosts,The name of Him [who spoke with Jacob] is the L.
6 Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God,Observeandhighly regard kindness and justice,And wait [expectantly] for your God continually.
7 A merchant, in whose hand are falseandfraudulent balances;He loves to oppressandexploit.
8 Ephraim said, “I have indeed become rich [and powerful as a nation];I have found wealth for myself.In all my labors they will not find in meAny wickedness thatwould besin.”
9 But Ihave beenthe Lyour God since [you became a nation in] the land of Egypt;I will make you live in tents again,As in the days of the appointedandsolemnI.e. the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles).festival.
10 I have also spoken to [you through] the prophets,And I gave [them] many visions [to make My will known],And through the prophets I gave parables [to appeal to your sense of right and wrong].
11 Is there wickedness (idolatry) in Gilead?Surely the people there are worthless.In Gilgal [they defy Me when] they sacrifice bulls,Yes, [after My judgment] their [pagan] altars are like the stone heapsIn the furrows of the fields.
12 Now Jacob (Israel) fled into the open country of Aram (Paddan-aram),And [there] Israel (Jacob) workedandserved for a wife,And for a wife he keptsheep.
13 And by a prophet (Moses) the Lbrought Israel up from Egypt,And by a prophet Israel was preserved.
14 Ephraim has provoked most bitter anger;So his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him [invoking punishment]And bring back to him his shameanddishonor.