feedeth on wind. Compare Hosea 8:7 . wind. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . followeth after = pursueth. daily = all the day long desolation = violence. make a covenant, &c. Compare Hosea 5:13 ; Hosea 7:11 . oil is carried, &c. As a present, to obtain favour and help. Compare Hosea 5:13 .Isaiah 30:2-7 ; Isaiah 57:9 . See 2 Kings 17:4 . read more
We are grateful indeed to find a wonderful evaluation of the endless and contradictory emendations (corrections!) that scholars have presumed to make in this chapter. The following quotation from James Ward expresses exactly how this writer feels concerning the text of the Holy Bible. We shall take the liberty of quoting somewhat at length from him:Nowhere is the text of Hosea more obscure than in Hosea 12 ... One impulse that comes over the commentator as he works over these lines is to... read more
Hosea 12:1. Lies and desolations— Perfidiousness and violence. Houbigant reads the next clause, They make a covenant with the Assyrians, whilst in the mean time oil is carried into Egypt. That is, "While they were in covenant with the Assyrians, they were secretly and perfidiously seeking an alliance with the Egyptians." Egypt was not a country remarkable for oil of olives, which yet is one great necessary of life in the eastern countries, being very much used there for food. At the same time... read more
1. feedeth on wind— (Proverbs 15:14; Isaiah 44:20). Followeth after vain objects, such as alliances with idolaters and their idols (compare Isaiah 44:20- :). east wind—the simoon, blowing from the desert east of Palestine, which not only does not benefit, but does injury. Israel follows not only things vain, but things pernicious (compare Isaiah 44:20- :). increaseth lies—accumulates lie upon lie, that is, impostures wherewith they deceive themselves, forsaking the truth of God.... read more
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
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
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
1. THE PEOPLE AND THEIR FATHER JACOBHosea 12:1-14In no part even of the difficult Book of Hosea does the sacred text bristle with more problems. It may well be doubted whether the verses lie in their proper order, or, if they do, whether we have them entire as they came from the prophet, for the connection is not always perceptible. We cannot believe, however, that the chapter is a bundle of isolated oracles, for the analogy between Jacob and his living posterity runs through the whole of it,... read more
CHAPTERS 11:12-12:14 The Indictment 1. Ephraim’s indictment (Hosea 11:12 ; Hosea 12:1-2 ) 2. Remembrance of the past (Hosea 12:3-6 ) 3. What Israel had become (Hosea 12:7-14 ) Chapter 11:12-12:2. Lying and deceit had been Ephraim’s course towards Jehovah; instead of trusting Him and following Him faithfully they had attached themselves to idols, while Judah still outwardly cleaved to Jehovah, though it was in a rambling way. The word translated “ruleth” means rambling. The better... read more
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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