Ephraim Reminded
1 Ephraim feeds on the [emptiness of the] wind
And [continually] pursues the [parching] east wind [which brings destruction];
Every day he multiplies lies and violence.
Further, he makes a covenant with Assyria
And (olive) oil is carried to Egypt [to seek alliances].
2 The Lordalso has a dispute [a legal complaint and an indictment] with Judah,
And He will punish Jacob in accordance with his ways;
He will repay him in accordance with his deeds.
3 Intheir mother’swomb he took his brother by the heel,
And in his maturity he contended with God.
4 He wrestled with the angel and prevailed;
He wept [in repentance] and sought His favor.
He met Him at Bethel
And there God spoke with [him and through him with] us–
5 Even the Lord, the God of hosts,
The name of Him [who spoke with Jacob] is the Lord.
6 Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God,
Observeandhighly regard kindness and justice,
And wait [expectantly] for your God continually.
7 A merchant, in whose hand are falseandfraudulent balances;
He loves to oppressandexploit.
8 Ephraim said, “I have indeed become rich [and powerful as a nation];
I have found wealth for myself.
In all my labors they will not find in me
Any wickedness thatwould besin.”
9 But Ihave beenthe Lordyour God since [you became a nation in] the land of Egypt;
I will make you live in tents again,
As in the days of the appointedandsolemnfestival.
10 I have also spoken to [you through] the prophets,
And I gave [them] many visions [to make My will known],
And through the prophets I gave parables [to appeal to your sense of right and wrong].
11 Is there wickedness (idolatry) in Gilead?
Surely the people there are worthless.
In Gilgal [they defy Me when] they sacrifice bulls,
Yes, [after My judgment] their [pagan] 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 [there] Israel (Jacob) workedandserved for a wife,
And for a wife he keptsheep.
13 And by a prophet (Moses) the Lordbrought Israel up from Egypt,
And by a prophet Israel was preserved.
14 Ephraim has provoked most bitter anger;
So his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him [invoking punishment]
And bring back to him his shameanddishonor.