Hosea 12
Read Hosea 12 (WEB)+
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. 2Yahweh 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 Yahweh, the God of Armies; Yahweh 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 Yahweh 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, and Israel served to get a wife, and for a wife he tended flocks and herds. 13By a prophet Yahweh 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.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God."”
Hosea 12:6
Summary
Hosea 12 focuses on God's indictment against Israel for their deceitful and sinful behavior, drawing parallels to the life of Jacob. The chapter begins with a reminder of Jacob's struggle in the womb and his later struggles with God, urging Israel to return to God and remain faithful. There is an emphasis on the futility of relying on foreign alliances and wealth for security, highlighting Israel's reliance on dishonesty and idolatry. Through Hosea, God calls Israel to repentance, encouraging them to acknowledge His past acts of deliverance and mercy as a foundation for sincere worship and loyalty. The chapter ends with a warning of impending judgment due to their persistent sinfulness, yet it subtly underscores God's enduring desire for their restoration and repentance.
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