Hosea 12:1-8 - God's Case Against Jacob's Heirs

1 Ephraim feeds on wind and follows after the east wind; he daily increases lies and desolation because they made a covenant with the Assyrians, and the oil is carried into Egypt.

2 The LORD also has a controversy with Judah to visit Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him. 3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and with his strength he overcame the angel; 4 yea, he dominated the angel and prevailed; he wept and made supplication unto him; he found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us; 5 but the LORD is God of the hosts; the LORD is his memorial. 6 Therefore be thou converted unto thy God; keep mercy and judgment, and in thy God wait continually.

7 He is a merchant who has the balances of deceit in his hand; he loves to oppress. 8 And Ephraim said, Surely I have become rich, I have found riches for myself; no one shall find iniquity in me, nor sin in all my labours.