English Bible Presentation Sharing - Hosea Book, chapter 12, verse 21 in Erven Version

Hosea 12 : 1 (ERVEN)

Ephraim 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.

Hosea 12 : 2 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 3 (ERVEN)

While 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.

Hosea 12 : 4 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 5 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 6 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 7 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 8 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 9 (ERVEN)

"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.

Hosea 12 : 10 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 11 (ERVEN)

But 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.

Hosea 12 : 12 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 13 (ERVEN)

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

Hosea 12 : 14 (ERVEN)

But 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."