Hosea 12

English ERV 2006 - Only For Website

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1Ephraim is wasting its time; Israel "chases the wind" all day long. The people tell more and more lies and steal more and more. They have made agreements with Assyria, and they are carrying their olive oil to Egypt.

2The Lord says, "I have a complaint against Israel. Jacob must be punished for the bad things he did.

3While Jacob was still in his mother's womb, he began to trick his brother. Jacob was a strong young man, and at that time he fought with God.

4Jacob wrestled with God's angel and won. He cried and asked for a favor. That happened at Bethel. There he spoke to us.

5Yes, Yahweh is the God of the armies. His name is Yahweh.

6So come back to your God. Be loyal to him. Do the right thing, and always trust in your God!

7"Jacob is a real merchant. He even cheats his friend! Even his scales lie.

8Ephraim said, 'I am rich! I have found true riches! No one will learn about my crimes. No one will learn about my sins.'

9"But I am still the Lord your God, as I was when you left the land of Egypt. I will make you live in tents, as you do during the Festival of Shelters.

10I spoke to the prophets and gave them many visions. I gave the prophets many ways to teach my lessons to you.

11But the people in Gilead have sinned. There are many disgusting idols in that place. They offer sacrifices to bulls at Gilgal. They have many altars. There are rows and rows of altars—like the rows of dirt in a plowed field.

12"Jacob ran away to the land of Aram. There Israel worked for a wife. He kept sheep to get another wife.

13But the Lord used a prophet and brought Israel out of Egypt. He used a prophet and kept Israel safe.

14But Ephraim made the Lord very angry. Ephraim killed many people, so he will be punished for his crimes. His Lord will make him bear his shame."

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