1. “Ephraim surrounded Me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit.” Though Judah roams restlessly with God, yet he is faithful with holy things.
2. Ephraim is grazing on wind and pursuing the east wind. All day he multiplies lies and ruin: making a pact with Assyria, while carrying oil to Egypt.
3. Adonai also has a dispute with Judah: He will punish Jacob for his ways, repaying him for his deeds.
4. In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he strove with God.
5. Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won; he wept and sought his favor. At Bethel he will find us, and there He will speak with us.
6. Even Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot— Adonai is His memorial-Name.
7. So you should return to your God, keep covenant loyalty and justice, and wait for your God continually.
8. A merchant loves to extort, with deceptive balances in his hand.
9. Now Ephraim has said: “How rich I have become! I found wealth by myself. I won’t be guilty of any sin with any of my property.”