1Ephraim 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. (2Ki 17:4; Jer 18:17; Ho 5:13; Ho 7:11; Ho 11:12; Ho 13:15)
The Lord’s Indictment of Israel and Judah
2The Lord has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds. (Ho 4:1)3In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. (Ge 25:26; Ge 27:36)4He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God[1] at Bethel, and there God spoke with us— (Ge 28:12; Ge 28:19; Ge 35:9; Ge 35:15)5the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial name: (Ex 3:15)6“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” (Ho 14:1; Joe 2:12; Mic 6:8)7A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress. (Pr 11:1; Pr 20:23; Am 8:5; Mic 2:2; Mic 6:11)8Ephraim 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.” (De 29:19; Zec 11:5; Re 3:17)9I 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. (Le 23:39; Ne 8:14; Ho 13:4)10I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables. (2Ki 17:13; Joe 2:28)11If 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. (Ho 4:15; Ho 6:8; Ho 8:11; Ho 9:15; Ho 10:4)12Jacob fled to the land of Aram; there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he guarded sheep. (Ge 28:5; Ge 29:20; Ge 29:28)13By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded. (Ex 12:50; De 18:15; Ps 77:20; Isa 63:11)14Ephraim has given bitter provocation; so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds. (2Ki 17:17; Ho 4:2; Ho 12:2)