Hosea 12

1. Ephraim feeds on the wind 1 and pursues the east wind all day long; 1 they multiply falsehood and violence; 1 they make a covenant with Assyria, 1 and oil is carried to Egypt.

The Lord's Indictment of Israel and Judah

2. The Lord has an indictment against Judah 2 and will punish Jacob according to his ways; 2 he will repay him according to his deeds.

3. In the womb he took his brother by the heel, 3 and in his manhood he strove with God.

4. He strove with the angel and prevailed; 4 he wept and sought his favor. 4 He met God[a] at Bethel, 4 and there God spoke with us—

5. the Lord, the God of hosts, 5 the Lord is his memorial name:

6. “So you, by the help of your God, return, 6 hold fast to love and justice, 6 and wait continually for your God.”

7. A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, 7 he loves to oppress.

8. Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; 8 I have found wealth for myself; 8 in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”

9. I am the Lord your God 9 from the land of Egypt; 9 I will again make you dwell in tents, 9 as in the days of the appointed feast.

10. I spoke to the prophets; 10 it was I who multiplied visions, 10 and through the prophets gave parables.

11. If there is iniquity in Gilead, 11 they shall surely come to nothing: 11 in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; 11 their altars also are like stone heaps 11 on the furrows of the field.

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

13. By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt, 13 and by a prophet he was guarded.

14. Ephraim has given bitter provocation; 14 so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him 14 and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.

Footnotes:
a. Hosea 12:4: Hebrew him