[Image: Introduction to Hosea]
HOSEA 12
[1] Ephraim feeds on the wind
and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
they make a covenant with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.
The LORD’s Indictment of Israel and Judah
[2] The LORD has an indictment against Judah
and will punish Jacob according to his ways;
he will repay him according to his deeds.
[3] In the womb he took his brother by the heel,
and in his manhood he strove with God.
[4] He strove with the angel and prevailed;
he wept and sought his favor.
He met God at Bethel,
and there God spoke with us—
[5] the LORD, the God of hosts,
the LORD is his memorial name:
[6] “So you, by the help of your God, return,
hold fast to love and justice,
and wait continually for your God.”
[7] A merchant, in whose hands are false balances,
he loves to oppress.
[8] Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich;
I have found wealth for myself;
in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
[9] I am the LORD your God
from the land of Egypt;
I will again make you dwell in tents,
as in the days of the appointed feast.
[10] I spoke to the prophets;
it was I who multiplied visions,
and through the prophets gave parables.
[11] If there is iniquity in Gilead,
they shall surely come to nothing:
in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;
their altars also are like stone heaps
on the furrows of the field.
[12] Jacob fled to the land of Aram;
there Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he guarded sheep.
[13] By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt,
and by a prophet he was guarded.
[14] Ephraim has given bitter provocation;
so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him
and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds. (ESV)
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