Chapter 12

Hosea

1Ephraim feeds on the windand pursues the east wind all day long;they multiply falsehood and violence;they make a covenant with Assyria,and oil is carried to Egypt.2The LORD has an indictment against Judahand will punish Jacob according to his ways;he will repay him according to his deeds.3In the womb he took his brother by the heel,and in his manhood he strove with God.4He strove with the angel and prevailed;he wept and sought his favor.He met God at Bethel,and there God spoke with us—5the LORD, the God of hosts,the LORD is his memorial name:6“So you, by the help of your God, return,hold fast to love and justice,and wait continually for your God.”7A merchant, in whose hands are false balances,he loves to oppress.8Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich;I have found wealth for myself;in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”9I am the LORD your Godfrom the land of Egypt;I will again make you dwell in tents,as in the days of the appointed feast.10I spoke to the prophets;it was I who multiplied visions,and through the prophets gave parables.11If there is iniquity in Gilead,they shall surely come to nothing:in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;their altars also are like stone heapson the furrows of the field.12Jacob fled to the land of Aram;there Israel served for a wife,and for a wife he guarded sheep.13By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt,and by a prophet he was guarded.14Ephraim has given bitter provocation;so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on himand will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.

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