HOSHĔA 12

1 Ephrayim is feeding on wind, and pursuing an east wind. All the day he increases falsehood and ruin. And they make a covenant with Ashshur, and oil is sent to Mitsrayim.

2 And 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 has a controversy with Yahuḏah, to punish Ya’aqoḇ – according to his ways, to repay him according to his deeds.

3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he strove with Elohim.

4 He strove with the Messenger and overcame, he wept and sought His favour. He found Him in Bĕyth Ĕl, and there He spoke to us –

5 even 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 Elohim of hosts, 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is His remembrance.

6 Therefore, return to your Elohim. Guard kindness and right-ruling, and wait on your Elohim continually.

7 A merchant! In his hand are scales of deceit, he loved to oppress.

8 And Ephrayim says, “Indeed, I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself. In all my labours they shall find in me no wickedness that is sin.”

9 “But I am 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 your Elohim since the land of Mitsrayim, again I shall make you dwell in tents as in the days of the Appointed Time.

10 “And I have spoken to the neḇi’im, and have increased visions. And through the neḇi’im I gave parables.”

11 Is Gil’aḏ wicked? Certainly, they have been false! In Gilgal they have offered bulls. Also their altars are as heaps on a ploughed field.

12 And when Ya’aqoḇ fled to the country of Aram, Yisra’ĕl served for a wife, and for a wife he kept watch.

13 And by a naḇi 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 brought Yisra’ĕl out of Mitsrayim, and by a naḇi he was watched over.

14 Ephrayim has provoked most bitterly. So his Aḏon left his blood-guilt on him, and repaid him for his reproach.