1. All day long Israel chaseswind from the desert;deceit and violenceare found everywhere.Treaties are made with Assyria;olive oil is taken to Egypt.
2. The Lord also brings chargesagainst the people of Judah,the descendants of Jacob.He will punish themfor what they have done.
3. Even before Jacob was born,he cheated his brother,and when he grew up,he fought against God.
4. At Bethel, Jacob wrestledwith an angel and won;then with tears in his eyes,he asked for a blessing,and God spoke to us there.
5. God's name is the Lord,the Lord God All-Powerful.
6. So return to your God.Patiently trust him,and show love and justice.
7. Israel, you enjoy cheatingand taking advantageof others.
8. You say to yourself, “I'm rich!I earned it all on my own,without committing a sin.”
9. Israel, I, the Lord,am still your God,just as I have beensince the timeyou were in Egypt.Now I will force youto live in tents once again,as you did in the desert.
10. I spoke to the prophets—often I spoke in visions.And so, I will send my prophetswith messages of doom.
11. Gilead is terribly sinfuland will end up ruined.Bulls are sacrificed in Gilgalon altars made of stones,but those stones will be scatteredin every field.
12. Jacob escaped to Syriawhere he tended sheepto earn himself a wife.
13. I sent the prophet Mosesto lead Israel from Egyptand to keep them safe.
14. Israel, I will make you payfor your terrible sinsand for insulting me.