Hosea 12

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:1

Describing Ephraim feeding on wind pictures the nation pursuing vain efforts that do not satisfy (cf. Hosea 8:7; Hosea 13:15). Reference to the east wind suggests the hot desert wind that no one in his right mind would pursue. Ephraim also multiplied lies and violence, evidences of internal social injustice (cf. Hosea 4:2; Hosea 7:1). She made covenants (treaties) with Assyria and Egypt rather than trusting in God (cf. Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:8; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:8-9; 2 Kings 17:3-4; 2 Kings... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:2

The Lord also had a charge (Heb. rib, cf. Hosea 2:2) to bring against Judah and promised to punish Jacob in harmony with his sins. "Jacob" may represent the Northern Kingdom here in contrast to Judah, the Southern Kingdom, or "Jacob" may represent both kingdoms since both descended from him (cf. Hosea 10:11)."Israel is not a ’chip off the old block’ but a nation unlike its eponymous ancestor, in that it refuses to acknowledge Yahweh as its sole God." [Note: Stuart, p. 190.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:3

The Lord described the ancestor of these kingdoms further. Jacob grasped his brother’s heel while he was still in the womb of his mother Rebekah (Genesis 25:26). This was a preview of the grasping character that marked him all his life (cf. Genesis 27:35-36). In later life he also continued to contend with God. These references to the early and later life of Jacob picture him as being a contentious person all his life. [Note: See Harper, p. 379; and Chisholm, "Hosea," p. 1404.] Other... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:3-6

A lesson from Jacob’s life 12:3-6The Lord proceeded to teach His people the need to repent by reminding them of the experience of their forefather Jacob. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:4

One important instance of Jacob contending with God was when he wrestled with the angel at Peniel and prevailed over him by weeping and pleading with him to bless him (Genesis 32:22-32). This event was a turning point in Jacob’s life because he finally realized that he could not succeed simply by manipulation and trickery. He recognized His need for God’s help and turned to Him in desperation. It was the occasion of Jacob’s repentance. God had prepared Jacob for this event by allowing him to... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:5

Yahweh, the almighty God of armies, even Yahweh, spoke to all the Israelites when He spoke to Jacob at Bethel. He did this in that He intended the Israelites to learn from the experience of the patriarch. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:6

The lesson was that, like Jacob, the Israelites should return to their covenant God. They should practice loyal love and justice in dealing with one another rather than being like the old Jacob. And they should commit to waiting in faith for God to act for them rather than seizing control of the situation, as Jacob so often had done. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:7-8

A merchant who used dishonest scales loved to oppress his customers. Similarly Israel’s oppression of others was traceable to pride in her riches. Much of Israel’s dealings with the nations involved trading that deceit had contaminated. The Israelites considered their wealth a blessing from God that they interpreted as due to their cleverness and His approval of their lifestyle. Really it was due to His grace in spite of their sins. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:7-11

The pride of Israel that needed humbling 12:7-11 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:9

Yahweh reminded His people that He had been their God since before the Exodus. He was able to make them revert to a humble wilderness lifestyle again, which their yearly feast of Booths (Tabernacles) reminded them about (cf. Leviticus 23:33-43). This is clearly an allusion to the coming captivity of Israel. read more

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