Hosea 12
Hosea 12 is part of “God's Persistent Love” (11–14) in the outline of Hosea.
Hosea 12 summary
In this chapter we have, I. A high charge drawn up against both Israel and Judah for their sins, which were the ground of God's controversy with them (Hos 12:1, Hos 12:2). Particularly the sin of fraud and injustice, which Ephraim is charged with (Hos 12:7), and justifies himself in (Hos 12:8). And the sin of idolatry (Hos 12:11), by which God is provoked to contend with them (Hos 12:14).
Read the full introduction
In this chapter we have, I. A high charge drawn up against both Israel and Judah for their sins, which were the ground of God's controversy with them (Hos 12:1, Hos 12:2). Particularly the sin of fraud and injustice, which Ephraim is charged with (Hos 12:7), and justifies himself in (Hos 12:8). And the sin of idolatry (Hos 12:11), by which God is provoked to contend with them (Hos 12:14). II. The aggravations of the sins they are charged with, taken from the honour God put upon their father Jacob (Hos 12:3-5), the advancement of them into a people from low and mean beginnings (Hos 12:12, Hos 12:13), and the provision he had made them of helps for their souls by the prophets he sent them (Hos 12:10). III. A call to the unconverted to turn to God (Hos 12:6). IV. An intimation of mercy that God had in store for them (Hos 12:9).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Hosea 12 (WEB)
World English Bible (public domain)
The Lord's Charge Against Judah
1Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt. 2The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him. 3In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he contended with God. 4Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us— 5even the LORD, the God of Armies. The LORD is his name of renown! 6Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God. 7A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to defraud. 8Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich. I have found myself wealth. In all my wealth they won’t find in me any iniquity that is sin.” 9“But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast. 10I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables. 11If Gilead is wicked, surely they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field. 12Jacob fled into the country of Aram. Israel served to get a wife. For a wife he tended flocks and herds. 13By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved. 14Ephraim has bitterly provoked anger. Therefore his blood will be left on him, and his Lord will repay his contempt.