Hosea 12:1-3

Easy-to-Read Version

The Lord Is Against Israel

12 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.

² The Lord says, “I have a complaint against Israel.^[a] Jacob must be punished for the bad things he did. ³ While Jacob was still in his mother’s womb, he began to trick his brother.^[b] Jacob was a strong young man, and at that time he fought with God.