English Standard Version

Hosea 12:3-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

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 Godfrom 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.