1Ephraim feedeth on wind , and followeth after the east wind : he daily increaseth lies and desolation ; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians , and oil is carried into Egypt . 2The LORD hath 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 : 4Yea, he had power over the angel , and prevailed : he wept , and made supplication unto him: he found him in Beth-el , and there he spake with us; 5Even the LORD God of hosts ; the LORD is his memorial . 6Therefore turn thou to thy God : keep mercy and judgment , and wait on thy God continually .
The Call to Repentance
7He is a merchant , the balances of deceit are in his hand : he loveth to oppress . 8And Ephraim said , Yet I am become rich , I have found me out substance : in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin . 9And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee 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 .
Judgment and Restoration
11Is there iniquity in Gilead ? surely they are vanity : they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal ; yea, 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 upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.