1. Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.
2. Yahweh also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him.
3. In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he contended with God.
4. Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us,
5. even Yahweh, the God of Armies; Yahweh is his name of renown!
6. Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.
7. A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to defraud.
8. Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth. In all my wealth they won’t find in me any iniquity that is sin.”
9. “But I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.
10. I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables.
11. If Gilead is wicked, surely they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field.