1(12-2) Ephraim striveth after wind, and followeth after the east wind; all the day he multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2(12-3) The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways, according to his doings will He recompense him.

3(12-4) In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and by his strength he strove with a godlike being;

4(12-5) So he strove with an angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him; at Beth-el he would find him, and there he would speak with us;

5(12-6) But the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is His name.

6(12-7) Therefore turn thou to thy God; keep mercy and justice, and wait for thy God continually.

7(12-8) As for the trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand. He loveth to oppress.

8(12-9) And Ephraim said: 'Surely I am become rich, I have found me wealth; in all my labours they shall find in me no iniquity that were sin.'

9(12-10) But I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make thee to dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed season.

10(12-11) I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.

11(12-12) If Gilead be given to iniquity becoming altogether vanity, in Gilgal they sacrifice unto bullocks; yea, their altars shall be as heaps in the furrows of the field.

12(12-13) And Jacob fled into the field of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep.

13(12-14) And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he kept.

14(12-15) Ephraim hath provoked most bitterly; therefore shall his blood be cast upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.