Hosea 12
Ephraim is condemned for their idolatry and deceit, having made a pact with Assyria and Egypt, and God will repay them according to their ways. The passage recalls Jacob's history, including his struggle with an angel and his guidance by God. Despite God's guidance and provision, Ephraim has become corrupt, using deceitful balances and justifying their idolatry. God reminds them of their history and warns of judgment, calling them to return to Him and keep mercy and justice.
1Ephraim feeds on wind and follows burning heat; all day long he multiplies lies and desolation. And he has entered into a pact with the Assyrians, and he has carried oil into Egypt2Therefore, the judgment of the Lord is with Judah and a visitation is upon Jacob. He will repay him according to his ways and according to his inventions3In the womb, he supplanted his brother; for in his good fortune, he had been guided by an angel4And he prevailed over an angel, for he had been strengthened. He wept and petitioned him. He found him in Bethel, and there he has spoken to us5And the Lord God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial6And so, you should convert to your God. Keep mercy and judgment, and have hope in your God always7Canaan, in his hand is a deceitful balance, he has chosen false accusations8And Ephraim has said, "Nevertheless, I have become rich; I have found an idol for myself. All of my labors will not reveal to me the iniquity that I have committed.9And I, the Lord your God from the land of Egypt, nevertheless will cause you to dwell in tabernacles, just as during the days of the feast10And I have spoken through the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and I have used parables through the hands of the prophets11If Gilead is an idol, then they have been sacrificing cattle in Gilgal to no purpose. For even their altars are like clutter on the soil of the field12Jacob fled into the region of Syria, and Israel served like a wife, and was served by a wife13Yet by a prophet the Lord led Israel out of Egypt, and he was served by a prophet14Ephraim has provoked me to wrath with his bitterness, and his blood will overcome him, and his Lord will requite him for his shamefulness
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