Ephraim Reminded
1 Ephraim feeds on the [emptiness of the] wind
And [continually] pursues the [parching] east wind [which brings destruction];
Every day he multiplies lies and violence.
Further, he makes a covenant with Assyria
And (olive) oil is carried to Egypt [to seek alliances]. [Is 30:6, 7]
2 The Lord also has a dispute [a legal complaint and an indictment] with Judah,
And He will punish Jacob in accordance with his ways;
He will repay him in accordance with his deeds.
3 In their mother’s womb he took his brother by the heel,
And in his maturity he contended with God. [Gen 25:26; 27:36]
4 He wrestled with the angel and prevailed;
He wept [in repentance] and sought His favor.
He met Him at Bethel
And there God spoke with [him and through him with] us— [Gen 28:12-19; 32:28; 35:1-15]
5 Even the Lord, the God of hosts,
The name of Him [who spoke with Jacob] is the Lord.
6 Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God,
Observe and highly regard kindness and justice,
And wait [expectantly] for your God continually.
7 A merchant, in whose hand are false and fraudulent balances;
He loves to oppress and exploit.
8 Ephraim said, "I have indeed become rich [and powerful as a nation];
I have found wealth for myself.
In all my labors they will not find in me
Any wickedness that would be sin." [Rev 3:17]
9 But I have been the Lord your God since [you became a nation in] the land of Egypt;
I will make you live in tents again,
As in the days of the appointed and solemn 12:9 I.e. the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles).festival. [Lev 23:39-43]
10 I have also spoken to [you through] the prophets,
And I gave [them] many visions [to make My will known],
And through the prophets I gave parables [to appeal to your sense of right and wrong].
11 Is there wickedness (idolatry) in Gilead?
Surely the people there are worthless.
In Gilgal [they defy Me when] they sacrifice bulls,
Yes, [after My judgment] their [pagan] altars are like the stone heaps
In the furrows of the fields.
12 Now Jacob (Israel) fled into the open country of Aram (Paddan-aram), [Gen 28:2, 5]
And [there] Israel (Jacob) worked and served for a wife,
And for a wife he kept sheep. [Gen 29:18-20; 30:31; 31:38-41]
13 And by a prophet (Moses) the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,
And by a prophet Israel was preserved.
14 Ephraim has provoked most bitter anger;
So his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him [invoking punishment]
And bring back to him his shame and dishonor.