Ephraim Reminded

¹Ephraim 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]. [Is 30:6, 7]

²The Lord also 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.

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

And in his maturity he contended with God. [Gen 25:26; 27:36]

⁴He 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— [Gen 28:12-19; 32:28; 35:1-15]

⁵Even the Lord , the God of hosts,

The name of Him [who spoke with Jacob] is the Lord .

⁶Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God,

Observe and highly regard kindness and justice,

And wait [expectantly] 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 [and powerful as a nation];

I have found wealth for myself.

In all my labors they will not find in me

Any wickedness that would be sin.” [Rev 3:17]

⁹But I have been the Lord your 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 appointed and solemn festival. [Lev 23:39-43]

¹⁰I 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].

¹¹Is 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), [Gen 28:2, 5]

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

And for a wife he kept sheep . [Gen 29:18-20; 30:31; 31:38-41]

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 [invoking punishment]

And bring back to him his shame and dishonor.