Hosea 12

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:10

The Lord also reminded them that He had spoken to them through prophets many times (cf. Hosea 9:7; Hosea 11:2). He had given the prophets visions, and they had taught their lessons to the Israelites. Nevertheless in spite of so many exhortations to return to the Lord the people had not responded. read more

Thomas Constable

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

What was going on in Gilead was an example of Israel’s depravity (cf. Hosea 6:8-9). In Gilgal, too, worthless Israelites were sacrificing bulls, expensive offerings, on numerous altars that they had built there. The use of Gilead, on the west side of the Jordan, and Gilgal, on the east side, did not just represent the whole nation. It also provided a rhetorical parallelism since the two names sound similar (assonance). The number of the pagan altars at Gilgal was as great as the piles of stones... read more

Thomas Constable

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

The Lord reminded the Israelites again of their humble origins. Jacob was a refugee who migrated to the land of Aram. There he had to work to pay for a wife, and he did so by tending sheep, a very humble occupation (cf. Deuteronomy 26:5). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:12-14

Another lesson from Israel’s history 12:12-14 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:13

Later the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt and kept them alive during their wilderness wanderings by using a prophet, Moses (cf. Deuteronomy 18:18). The Israelites, as well as Jacob, had experienced hardship while in a foreign land. By implication they should not, therefore, have despised the prophets that Yahweh had sent them since Moses (cf. v.10). Furthermore, they should remember that they could return to these conditions if they were not careful. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hosea 12:14

In spite of these mercies the Israelites had provoked the Lord to bitter anger with their idolatry (cf. Deuteronomy 4:25; Deuteronomy 9:18; Deuteronomy 31:29; Deuteronomy 32:16; Deuteronomy 32:21; Judges 2:12; 1 Kings 14:9; 1 Kings 14:15). Consequently He would not remove the guilt of their sins by forgiving them but would pay them back with punishment and shame. This was the sentence of their divine judge. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Hosea 12:1-14

A Reproof of Commercial DishonestyThe Hebrew text divides the chapter more correctly at this v. The prophet returns to the subject of the unfaithfulness both of Israel and of Judah. They have sought help where it was not to be found, and neglected God, the only source of help, in forgetfulness of the example of their ancestor Jacob.12. Judah.. saints] RM better, 'and Judah is yet unstedfast with God, and with the Holy One who is faithful.'Hosea 12:1. Ephraim.. east wind] an attack on Israel's... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Hosea 12:12-14

A Reproof of Commercial DishonestyThe Hebrew text divides the chapter more correctly at this v. The prophet returns to the subject of the unfaithfulness both of Israel and of Judah. They have sought help where it was not to be found, and neglected God, the only source of help, in forgetfulness of the example of their ancestor Jacob.12. Judah.. saints] RM better, ’and Judah is yet unstedfast with God, and with the Holy One who is faithful.’Hosea 12:1. Ephraim.. east wind] an attack on Israel’s... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Hosea 12:1

XII.(1) East wind.—Comp. Isaiah 27:8 and Job 27:21. On the latter passage Wetzstein remarks:—“This wind is more frequent in winter and early spring, when, if it continues long, the tender vegetation is parched up, and a year of famine follows. Both man and beast feel sickly while it prevails.” Hence, that which is unpleasant and revolting in life is compared by Orientals to the east wind. The idea expressed by the east wind here is the same as in Job 15:2, combining the notions of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Hosea 12:2

(2) Jacob refers to the northern kingdom. read more

Group of Brands