Hosea 12

1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind; he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will He recompense him.

3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God.

4 Yea, he had power over the angel and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto Him; he found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke with us,

5 even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.

6 Therefore turn thou to thy God; keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.

7 Canaan is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand; he loveth to oppress.

8 And Ephraim said, "Yet I am become rich, I have found myself substance; in all my labors they shall find no iniquity in me that were sin."

9 "And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.

10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes by the ministry of the prophets."

11 Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are vanity. They sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

12 And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep.

13 And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

14 Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly; therefore shall He leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.