Parallel
Hosea 12
World English Bible British Edition · Berean Standard Bible
Ephraim feeds on wind,
Ephraim (note: That is, the northern kingdom of Israel; also in verses 8 and 14) feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.
The LORD also has a controversy with Judah,
The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah. He will punish Jacob (note: Jacob means he grasps the heel or he deceives.) according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
In the womb he took his brother by the heel,
In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.
Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed;
Yes, he struggled with the angel (note: Or Angel) and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there (note: LXX and Syriac; MT and there He spoke with us)—
Therefore turn to your God.
But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and always wait on your God.
A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand.
A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.
Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich.
And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.”
“But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt.
But I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt. I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.
I have also spoken to the prophets,
I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets.
If Gilead is wicked,
Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field.
Jacob fled into the country of Aram.
Jacob fled to the land of Aram (note: That is, northwest Mesopotamia) and Israel worked for a wife—for a wife he tended sheep.
By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt,
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.
Ephraim has bitterly provoked anger.
Ephraim has provoked bitter anger, so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt upon him and repay him for his contempt.