A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, and Jacob

1Ephraim† is grazing on the wind

and pursuing the east wind all the day,

he multiplies lies and violence;

they cut a covenant with Assyria

and oil is carried to Egypt.

2A dispute is unto YHWH against Judah,

to visit punishment on Jacob† according to his ways;

according to his deeds He will recompense to him.

3In the womb he took his brother by the heel,

and in his strength he struggled with God.

4He struggled with the angel† and prevailed;

he wept and sought favor from Him;

at Bethel he found Him,

and there He spoke with Him,†

5and YHWH, God of Hosts—

YHWH is His memorial.

6And you must return to your God;

Keep love and justice,

and wait for your God continually!

7A merchant has scales of deceit in his hand;

he loves to oppress.

8And Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich.

I have found wealth for myself.

In all my labors they will find in me

no iniquity that is sin.”

9And I am YHWH your God,

from the land of Egypt;

again I will make you dwell in tents,

as in the days of the appointed feast.

10And I have spoken by the prophets,

and I have multiplied visions,

and by the hand of the prophets I have given parables.

11If iniquity is in Gilead,

surely they are worthless;

In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;

even their altars are as heaps

over the furrows of the field.

12And Jacob fled to the land of Aram,†

and Israel worked for a wife,

and for a wife he tended.

13And by a prophet YHWH brought up Israel from Egypt,

and by a prophet he was kept.

14Ephraim has provoked to anger bitterly,

and his bloodguilt He will leave upon him,

and his reproach his Lord will make return to him.