The Lord’s Indictment of Israel and Judah (HOS 12:2-14)

[12:2] The Lord has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds.

[12:3] In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.

[12:4] He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us—

[12:5] the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial name:

[12:6] “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”

[12:7] A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.

[12:8] 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.”

[12:9] 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.

[12:10] I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.

[12:11] 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.

[12:12] Jacob fled to the land of Aram; there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he guarded sheep.

[12:13] By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.

[12:14] Ephraim has given bitter provocation; so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.