12Hosea 12

1All 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.Select Hosea 12:1

Israel and Judah Condemned

2The Lord also brings charges against the people of Judah, the descendants of Jacob. He will punish them for what they have done.Select Hosea 12:2

3Even before Jacob was born, he cheated his brother, and when he grew up, he fought against God.Select Hosea 12:3

4At 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.Select Hosea 12:4

5God's name is the Lord, the Lord God All-Powerful.Select Hosea 12:5

6So return to your God. Patiently trust him, and show love and justice.Select Hosea 12:6

7Israel, you enjoy cheating and taking advantage of others.Select Hosea 12:7

8You say to yourself, “I'm rich! I earned it all on my own, without committing a sin.”Select Hosea 12:8

The Is Still the God of Israel

9Israel, 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.Select Hosea 12:9

10I spoke to the prophets— often I spoke in visions. And so, I will send my prophets with messages of doom.Select Hosea 12:10

11Gilead 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.Select Hosea 12:11

12Jacob escaped to Syria where he tended sheep to earn himself a wife.Select Hosea 12:12

13I sent the prophet Moses to lead Israel from Egypt and to keep them safe.Select Hosea 12:13

14Israel, I will make you pay for your violent crimes and for insulting me.Select Hosea 12:14