Hosea 12 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

Ephraim Reminded

1Ephraim feeds on the wind

And pursues the east wind;

Every day he multiplies lies and violence.

Further, he makes a covenant with Assyria

And (olive) oil is carried to Egypt.

2The Lord also has a dispute with Judah,

And He will punish Jacob in accordance with his ways;

He will repay him in accordance with his deeds.

3In their mother’s womb he took his brother by the heel,

And in his maturity he contended with God.

4He wrestled with the angel and prevailed;

He wept and sought His favor.

He met Him at Bethel

And there God spoke with us—

5Even the Lord, the God of hosts,

The name of Him is the Lord.

6Therefore, return to your God,

Observe and highly regard kindness and justice,

And wait for your God continually.

7A merchant, in whose hand are false and fraudulent balances;

He loves to oppress and exploit.

8Ephraim said, “I have indeed become rich;

I have found wealth for myself.

In all my labors they will not find in me

Any wickedness that would be sin.”

9But I have been the Lord your God since the land of Egypt;

I will make you live in tents again,

As in the days of the appointed and solemn festival.

10I have also spoken to the prophets,

And I gave many visions,

And through the prophets I gave parables.

11Is there wickedness (idolatry) in Gilead?

Surely the people there are worthless.

In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls,

Yes, their altars are like the stone heaps

In the furrows of the fields.

12¶Now Jacob (Israel) fled into the open country of Aram (Paddan-aram),

And Israel (Jacob) worked and served for a wife,

And for a wife he kept sheep.

13And by a prophet (Moses) the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,

And by a prophet Israel was preserved.

14Ephraim has provoked most bitter anger;

So his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him

And bring back to him his shame and dishonor.