[1] All day long Israel chases wind from the desert; deceit and violence are found everywhere. Treaties are made with Assyria; olive oil is taken to Egypt. [2] The LORD also brings charges against the people of Judah, the descendants of Jacob. He will punish them for what they have done. [3] Even before Jacob was born, he cheated his brother, and when he grew up, he fought against God. [4] At Bethel, Jacob wrestled with an angel and won; then with tears in his eyes, he asked for a blessing, and God spoke to us there. [5] God's name is the LORD, the LORD God All-Powerful. [6] So return to your God. Patiently trust him, and show love and justice. [7] Israel, you enjoy cheating and taking advantage of others. [8] You say to yourself, "I'm rich! I earned it all on my own, without committing a sin." [9] Israel, I, the LORD, am still your God, just as I have been since the time you were in Egypt. Now I will force you to live in tents once again, as you did in the desert. [10] I spoke to the prophets- often I spoke in visions. And so, I will send my prophets with messages of doom. [11] Gilead is terribly sinful and will end up ruined. Bulls are sacrificed in Gilgal on altars made of stones, but those stones will be scattered in every field. [12] Jacob escaped to Syria where he tended sheep to earn himself a wife. [13] I sent the prophet Moses to lead Israel from Egypt and to keep them safe. [14] Israel, I will make you pay for your terrible sins and for insulting me.
