Hosea 12:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hosea 12:1-6

In these verses, I. Ephraim is convicted of folly, in staying himself upon Egypt and Assyria, when he was in straits (Hos. 12:1): Ephraim feeds on wind, that is, feeds himself with vain hopes of assistance from man, when he is at variance with God; and, when he meets with disappointments, he still pursues the same game, and greedily pants and follows after the east wind, which he cannot catch holy of, nor, if he could, would it be nourishing, nay, would be noxious. We say of the wind in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hosea 12:2

The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah ,.... The two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, as well as the ten tribes; for though they had ruled with God, and had been faithful with the saints in the first times of the apostasy of Israel; yet afterwards they sadly degenerated, and fell into idolatry likewise, particularly in the time of Ahaz, in which Hosea prophesied; and therefore the Lord had somewhat against them; nor would he spare them, but reprove them by the prophets, and rebuke them in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hosea 12:2

The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah - The rest of the prophecy belongs both to Judah and Israel. He reproaches both with their ingratitude, and threatens them with God's anger. In order to make their infidelity the more hateful, and their malice the more sensible, he opposes to them the righteousness, obedience, and piety of their father Jacob. He recalls to their minds the benefits they had received since they returned from Egypt. He speaks afterwards of their kings; and how, in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hosea 12:2

Verse 2 It may seem strange that the Prophet should now say, that God had a controversy with Judah; for he had before said, that Judah stood faithful with the saints. It seems indeed inconsistent, that God should litigate with the Jews, and yet declare them to be upright and separate them from the perfidious and ungodly. What then does this mean? The Prophet, as we have said, spake comparatively of the tribe of Judah, when he said that they remained faithful with the saints: for he did not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hosea 12:1-6

Reproof, retrospect, and exhortation. Ephraim is reproved for the pursuit of empty and vain courses, and courses detrimental to their best and real interests. Judah is included in the threatening which follows. They are exhorted to follow the example of the patriarch which is proposed for their imitation, with implied promise of similar success. The unchangeableness of God, who not only accepted Jacob, but blessed and prospered him, is held out to the descendants of Jacob as a guarantee of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hosea 12:2

The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah; and will punish (margin, visit upon ) Jacob according to his ways . God here presents himself at once as plaintiff and judge, widening the range of his pleadings. The controversy with Israel takes a wider sweep, and comprehends Judah culpable, though apparently in a less degree. But though Judah comes in for a share of punishment, that punishment shall be proportionate to their delinquencies—those like Judah that sinned less shall suffer... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hosea 12:2

The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob - The guilt of Judah was not open apostasy, nor had he filled up the measure of his sins. Of him, then, God saith only, that He “had a controversy with” him, as our Lord says to the “Angel of the Church of Pergamos, I have a few things against thee. Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and fight against thee with the sword of My mouth” Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16. Of Ephraim, whose sin was complete, He says, that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Hosea 12:1-2

Hosea 12:1-2. Ephraim feedeth on wind Flatters himself with vain, delusive hopes, of receiving effectual support from the alliances which he forms. It is a proverbial expression to signify labour in vain, or pursuing such measures as will bring damage rather than benefit. And followeth the east wind Pernicious, destructive counsels and courses. The east wind was peculiarly parching and noxious, blasting the fruits of the earth; thence it denotes desolation and destruction. He daily... 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 12:2

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . punish = visit upon. Jacob. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for Israel, especially the natural seed. according. Some codices, with two early printed editions (one Rabbinic, margin), Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and according". recompense = requite, or repay. read more

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