1. Ephraim is wasting its time; Israel “chases the wind” all day long. The people tell more and more lies and steal more and more. They have made agreements with Assyria, and they are carrying their olive oil to Egypt.
2. The Lord says, “I have a complaint against Israel. Jacob must be punished for the bad things he did.
3. While Jacob was still in his mother’s womb, he began to trick his brother. Jacob was a strong young man, and at that time he fought with God.
4. Jacob wrestled with God’s angel and won. He cried and asked for a favor. That happened at Bethel. There he spoke to us.
5. Yes, YAHWEH is the God of the armies. His name is YAHWEH.
6. So come back to your God. Be loyal to him. Do the right thing, and always trust in your God!
7. “Jacob is a tricky merchant. He even cheats his friend! Even his scales lie.
8. Ephraim said, ‘I am rich! I have found true riches! No one will learn about my crimes. No one will learn about my sins.’