Hosea 12:8 NIV

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hosea 12:8

And Ephraim said, Yet am I become rich - Literally, “I am simply rich.” As if he said, “the only result of all this, with which the prophets charge me, is that ‘I am become rich:’ and since God thus prospers me, it is a sure proof that he is not displeased with me, that ‘no iniquity’ can be ‘found in me;’” the ordinary practical argument of men, as long as God withholds His punishments, that their ways cannot be so displeasing to Him. With the people of this world, with its politicians, in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Hosea 12:7-8

Hosea 12:7-8. He is a merchant, &c. Bishop Horsley renders this verse thus: Canaan the trafficker! The cheating balances in his hand! He has set his heart upon over-reaching! On which the bishop observes, “God says to the prophet, Instead of turning to me, and keeping to works of charity and justice, he is a mere heathen huckster. Thou hast miscalled him Jacob: he is Canaan. Not Jacob the god1y, the heir of the promise: Canaan the cheat, the son of the curse.” The Hebrew word כנען... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Hosea 12:1-14

Deceit and wilfulness (11:12-12:14)Israel’s political agreements with foreign nations, whether concerning trade or defence, are unlawful in God’s eyes. They are based on lies and dishonesty (11:12-12:1).Such deceit has been a characteristic of Israel from the time of the nation’s forefather, Jacob (the original Israel). From birth Jacob showed a desire to get his own way. As an adult he struggled even with God. Only when he was forced finally to give in did he win the blessing he so eagerly... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Hosea 12:8

labours = toils. iniquity = perversity. Hebrew. 'avah . App-44 . Not the same word as in Hosea 12:11 . that were = which [is]. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Hosea 12:8

"And Ephraim said, Surely I have become rich, I have found me wealth: in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that were sin."This is an astounding defense by Ephraim. Sure, he is as crooked as any of the old Canaanites ever were, but he got rich; that makes it right! His wickedness is not "sin," because it works! Here is the old doctrine that the end justifies the means. There was in the crooked weights and false balances of Ephraim a brazen and arrogant denial of covenant... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Hosea 12:8

Hosea 12:8. In all my labours, &c.— My labours shall be my own nor shall the iniquity be found out, wherein I have sinned. Houbigant. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Hosea 12:8

8. And—that is, Notwithstanding. Yet I am . . . rich—I regard not what the prophets say: I am content with my state, as I am rich (Revelation 3:17). Therefore, in just retribution, this is the very language of the enemy in being the instrument of Israel's punishment. Revelation 3:17- :: "They that sell them say . . . I am rich." Far better is poverty with honesty, than riches gained by sin. my labours—my gains by labor. they shall find none—that is, none shall find any. iniquity . . . that were... 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

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