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Hosea, 12

1. Ephraim besieges me with lying, the House of Israel with duplicity. (But Judah still is on God's side, he is faithful to the Holy One.)

1. Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2. Ephraim feeds himself on wind, all day he chases the wind from the East, he heaps up cheating and violence; they make a treaty with Assyria, at the same time sending oil to Egypt.

2. The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

3. Yahweh has a case against Judah, he will punish Jacob as his conduct merits, he will repay him as his deeds deserve.

3. He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

4. In the very womb he overreached his brother, in maturity he wrestled against God.

4. Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

5. He wrestled with the angel and beat him, he wept and pleaded with him. He met him at Bethel and there God spoke to us-

5. Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD [is] his memorial.

6. yes, Yahweh, God Sabaoth, Yahweh is his title!

6. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.

7. So turn back with God's help, maintain faithful love and loyalty and always put your trust in your God.

7. [He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress.

8. Merchants use fraudulent scales. To defraud is his delight.

8. And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin.

9. 'How rich I have become!' says Ephraim, 'I have made a fortune.' But of all his gains he will keep nothing because of the sin of which he is guilty.

9. And I [that am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.

10. But I have been Yahweh your God since your days in Egypt and will make you live in tents again as in the days of Meeting.

10. I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.

11. I will speak through prophets, I will give vision after vision and through the ministry of prophets will speak in parables.

11. [Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

12. Is Gilead a sink of iniquity? Yes, they are a worthless lot! At Gilgal they sacrifice to bulls, that is why their altars are like heaps of stones in a ploughed field.

12. And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep].

13. Jacob fled to the countryside of Aram, Israel slaved to win a wife, to win a wife he looked after sheep.

13. And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

14. By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel out of Egypt and by a prophet Israel was preserved.

14. Ephraim provoked [him] to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.

15. Ephraim gave bitter provocation- Yahweh will bring his bloodshed down on him, his Lord will repay him for his insult.

15.



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Footnotes:

12:1-2 - Israel continues to rebel against God, seeking help in alliances with foreign nations. This behavior reflects the people's ingratitude, having forgotten God's faithfulness throughout their history, as seen in the passages about Abraham and Jacob (see also 2 Kings 17:4 and Jeremiah 2:13).

12:3-6 - The example of Jacob, who wrestled with God and prevailed, is used to call Israel to repentance and true worship. God is presented as the one who blesses those who seek His face with humility and sincerity (see also Genesis 32:22-32 and James 4:10).

12:7-9 - Israel is rebuked for its dependence on wealth and falsehood. God's true blessing comes not from material resources, but from living in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord. The call is for the people to seek justice and mercy (see also Amos 5:24 and Matthew 6:33).

12:10-14 - God sent the prophets to warn Israel, but the people still reject God's message. The chapter highlights the need to hear God's voice and seek His guidance to restore the covenant (see also Jeremiah 7:25-26 and Hebrews 3:7-8).

Verses related to Hosea, 12:

Hosea chapter 12 brings lessons from the story of Jacob. How does Israel's past illuminate its present? This reflective text draws parallels between Jacob and the nation, addressing themes such as deception, spiritual struggle, and the need to return to God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of learning from history and remaining faithful to the covenant. Hosea 12 invites a reevaluation of Israel's spiritual identity. Examine with us five biblical passages that correlate with the fundamental themes of this instructive chapter.

Genesis 32:24-26: "So Jacob was left alone, and a man fought with him until dawn. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the joint in Jacob's thigh, so that it dislocated as they fought. Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is already dawn.' But Jacob answered him, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'" - This passage recounts the event referred to in Hosea 12:3-4, showing Jacob's struggle with God.

Amos 2:10: "I also brought them out of Egypt and led them in the desert for forty years to give them the land of the Amorites." - This verse echoes Hosea 12:13, recalling Israel's liberation from Egypt.

Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires: do justice, love faithfulness and walk humbly with your God." - This passage reflects the call in Hosea 12:6 to return to God and practice righteousness.

Proverbs 11:1: "The Lord hates dishonest scales, but accurate weights give him pleasure." - This proverb relates to the Hosea 12:7 condemnation of dishonest business practices.

Hebrews 12:5-6: "And you have forgotten the word of encouragement that he addresses to you as to children: 'My son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord, nor be hurt by his rebuke, for the Lord disciplines those he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts. like a son'." - This passage reflects the theme of divine discipline seen in Hosea 12, where God rebukes his people out of love.

FAQ:

What does Hosea 12 teach about Israel's struggle with God?

Israel is described as wrestling with God, as Jacob wrestled with the angel. This reflects the people's stubbornness in following their own ways. (Hosea 12:3-4)

What does God promise Israel in Hosea 12?

God promises to restore Israel, but emphasizes that they must return to Him and abandon idol worship. (Hosea 12:6)

What is the lesson about justice in Hosea 12?

God teaches that true righteousness comes from living according to His will, not through deception or worship of false gods. (Hosea 12:6-7)

How does Hosea 12 describe Ephraim's corruption?

Ephraim is described as deceiving others and trusting in his own strength rather than in God. This leads to his downfall and destruction. (Hosea 12:7-8)

How does God describe Ephraim's character in Hosea 12?

God describes Ephraim as deceitful and unrighteous, a people who have turned away from Him and chosen to live corruptly. (Hosea 12:7-8)


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