Hosea 12

1 Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. And they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 Jehovah has also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways. He will recompense him according to his doings.

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

4 Yea, he had strength over the agent, and prevailed, as he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us.

5 Even Jehovah, the God of hosts, Jehovah is his memorial.

6 Therefore turn thou to thy God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait for thy God continually.

7 He is a Canaanite. The balances of deceit are in his hand. He loves to oppress.

8 And Ephraim said, Surely I have become rich. I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors they shall find no iniquity in me that is sin.

9 But I am Jehovah thy God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make thee to dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.

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

11 Is Gilead iniquity? They are altogether false. In Gilgal they sacrifice bullocks. Yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the field.

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

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

14 Ephraim has provoked to anger most bitterly. Therefore his blood shall be left upon him, and his reproach his Lord shall return to him.