The Patriarch Jacob’s History Applied to Israel
Hosea 12
Hosea 12
From Wrestling with God to Dishonest Gain (12:1-8)
CHAPTER 12
1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and pursueth after the east wind: all day long he multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt. 2 Jehovah hath also a controversy with Judah, and he will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.
vv.1-2 Jehovah’s Controversy with Judah and Jacob.
3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he wrestled with God. 4 Yea, he wrestled with the Angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us, 5 — even Jehovah, the God of hosts, — Jehovah is his memorial. 6 And thou, return unto thy God: keep loving-kindness and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
vv.3-6 Jacob’s History and Israel’s Call to Return to God.
7 He is a merchant, balances of deceit are in his hand; he loveth to oppress. 8 And Ephraim saith, Nevertheless I am become rich, I have found me out substance; in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.
vv.7-8 Ephraim’s Dishonest Gain and False Confidence.
God’s Revelations to Israel and Their Provocations (12:9-14)
9 But I that am Jehovah thy God from the land of Egypt will again make thee to dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast. 10 And I have spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and by means of the prophets have I used similitudes. 11 If Gilead is iniquity, surely they are but vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.
vv.9-11 God’s Past Revelation and Israel’s Continuing Idolatry.
12 And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. 13 And by a prophet Jehovah brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. 14 Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly; and his Lord shall leave his blood upon him, and recompense unto him his reproach.
vv.12-14 God’s Care for Israel Contrasted with Ephraim’s Provocation.