12:1 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.
12:2 The Lord also brings charges against the people of Judah, the descendants of Jacob. He will punish them for what they have done.
12:3 Even before Jacob was born, he cheated his brother, and when he grew up, he fought against God.
12:4 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.
12:5 God's name is the Lord, the Lord God All-Powerful.
12:6 So return to your God. Patiently trust him, and show love and justice.
12:7 Israel, you enjoy cheating and taking advantage of others.
12:8 You say to yourself, “I'm rich! I earned it all on my own, without committing a sin.”
12:9 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.
12:10 I spoke to the prophets— often I spoke in visions. And so, I will send my prophets with messages of doom.
12:11 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.
12:12 Jacob escaped to Syria where he tended sheep to earn himself a wife.
12:13 I sent the prophet Moses to lead Israel from Egypt and to keep them safe.
12:14 Israel, I will make you pay for your violent crimes and for insulting me.
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