Hosea 12
Hosea 12 addresses Israel’s persistent unfaithfulness and deceitfulness, drawing on historical examples to remind the nation of its long-standing struggles with disobedience and pride. Through references to Jacob, Egypt, and the wilderness journey, the prophet underscores God’s enduring mercy despite Israel’s rebellion. The chapter calls for Israel’s repentance and return to trust in God rather than relying on false practices or alliances.
Hosea 12:1 (NKJV)
1 “Ephraim feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind; he daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried to Egypt.”
Israel is compared to someone “feeding on the wind,” emphasizing the futility of their pursuits. Their alliances with Assyria and Egypt show misplaced trust in foreign powers instead of relying on God. This reflects Israel’s tendency to seek security in worldly ways, resulting in deceit and spiritual desolation.
Hosea 12:2-5 (NKJV)
2 “The Lord also brings a charge against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds He will recompense him.
3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he struggled with God.
4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; he wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us—
5 That is, the Lord God of hosts. The Lord is His memorable name.”
Hosea recalls Jacob’s struggles, both with his brother Esau and with God, symbolizing Israel’s contentious relationship with God. Jacob’s perseverance and humility ultimately led him to God’s favor. This serves as a reminder to Israel that reconciliation with God requires humility and genuine repentance, not pride or manipulation.
Hosea 12:6 (NKJV)
6 “So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.”
Israel is called to return to God, practicing mercy and justice—key elements of a faithful life. The verse encourages patient reliance on God’s guidance, emphasizing that true security lies in trust and obedience, not in deceit or foreign alliances.
Hosea 12:7-8 (NKJV)
7 “A cunning Canaanite! Deceitful scales are in his hand; he loves to oppress.
8 And Ephraim said, ‘Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.’”
The accusation against Ephraim (Israel) likens the nation to a deceptive merchant who uses dishonest practices. Ephraim’s claim of innocence shows their self-deception, as they measure success by wealth rather than moral integrity. This highlights their failure to recognize their spiritual corruption.
Hosea 12:9 (NKJV)
9 “But I am the Lord your God, ever since the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.”
God reminds Israel of their origins, emphasizing His role as their deliverer from Egypt. By mentioning dwelling in tents, He warns of a potential return to a humble state, as during their wilderness wanderings, if they continue in disobedience. This calls Israel to remember and honor their dependence on God.
Hosea 12:10-11 (NKJV)
10 “I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.”
11 “Though Gilead has idols—Surely they are vanity—Though they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal, indeed their altars shall be heaps in the furrows of the field.”
God’s repeated communication through prophets and visions demonstrates His desire to guide Israel. Despite these warnings, Israel remains entrenched in idolatry. The reference to Gilead and Gilgal underscores the futility of their sacrifices, which will be reduced to ruin if they persist in unfaithfulness.
Hosea 12:12-14 (NKJV)
12 “Jacob fled to the country of Syria; Israel served for a spouse, and for a wife he tended sheep.
13 By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.
14 Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly; therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, and return his reproach upon him.”
Hosea ends by recalling Jacob’s humble beginnings and how God, through prophets like Moses, led and preserved Israel. Despite God’s past acts of care and deliverance, Ephraim’s persistent rebellion provokes divine judgment. This serves as a final warning: continued defiance will lead to inevitable consequences, as God will hold them accountable for their actions.