A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, Jacob

1Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he daily increases lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

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

3He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

4Yes, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication to him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us;

5Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.

6Therefore turn you to your God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on your God continually.

7He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loves to oppress.

8And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labors they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.

9And I that am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt will yet make you to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.

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

11Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yes, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

12And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep.

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

14Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood on him, and his reproach shall his LORD return to him.