1Ephraim feeds on wind, and pursues the east wind all day and increases lies and violence; he makes an alliance with the Assyrians, and sends olive oil to Egypt.

2The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and He will punish Jacob according to his ways; He will repay him according to his deeds. 3In the womb, Jacob took his brother by the heel; and as a man, he struggled with God: 4Yea, he struggled with the Angel, and prevailed; he wept, and begged for His favor; He found him in Bethel, and there He spoke with him; 5The LORD God of hosts; the LORD is His name. 6But now you must return to your God; maintain love, mercy and justice, and always wait upon your God. 7But no - Ephraim is a merchant who uses deceitful balances; he loves to cheat. 8And Ephraim boasts, “I have become rich, I have found wealth; in all my labors they shall find nothing in me that is sin.” 9“I have been the LORD, your God, ever since you came out of the land of Egypt; I will yet cause you to dwell in tabernacles (tents), as in the days of the solemn feast. 10I have also spoken and warned by the prophets, and I have given them many visions, and used parables.” 11Is there wickedness in Gilead? Their people are worthless; they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; their altars are like piles of stones along the edges of a plowed field. 12And Jacob fled into the country of Aram, and Israel served to get a wife: for a wife he kept sheep. 13And by a prophet (Moses), the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by prophets (Moses and Aaron) was he preserved. 14But Ephraim has most bitterly provoked God to anger; so his LORD shall leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, and shall repay him for his contempt.