Hosea 12

The Lord's Charge Against Judah

1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenantCovenant: בְּרִית (Berit). The Hebrew berit (בְּרִית) denotes a covenant—a binding agreement, often ratified by blood sacrifice. God's covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) structure redemptive history, culminating in the New Covenant. with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. Parallel theme: Hosea 5:13, 8:7, 11:12, Jeremiah 22:22, Ezekiel 17:10

2 The LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him. References Lord: Hosea 4:1, Micah 6:2. Parallel theme: Isaiah 10:6

3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity.: Parallel theme: Genesis 25:26

4 Yea, he had power over the angelAngel: מַלְאָךְ (Mal'akh). The Hebrew mal'akh (מַלְאָךְ) means angel or messenger—a heavenly being sent by God. Angels serve as God's messengers, worship Him, and minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14)., and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Beth-el, and there he spake with us; Parallel theme: Genesis 35:15

5 Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. References God: Exodus 3:15. References Lord: Psalms 135:13, Isaiah 42:8

6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercyMercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim). The Hebrew rachamim (רַחֲמִים) derives from 'womb' (rechem), suggesting tender, maternal compassion. God's mercies are 'new every morning' (Lamentations 3:23), showing His compassionate nature. and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. Grace: Isaiah 30:18, Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:9. References God: Hosea 14:1, Micah 7:7. Parallel theme: Isaiah 1:16, 8:17, 31:6, 40:31, 58:6 +5

7 He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, Isaiah 3:5, Amos 2:7, 3:9, 4:1, 5:11, Zechariah 14:21, John 2:16, James 5:4 +5

8 And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquityIniquity: עָוֹן (Avon). The Hebrew avon (עָוֹן) encompasses iniquity, guilt, and its punishment—the twisted nature of sin. 'The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all' (Isaiah 53:6), Christ bearing our guilt and penalty. in me that were sin. Sin: Jeremiah 2:23, 1 Timothy 6:5. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 8:17, Psalms 49:6, 52:7, 62:10, Proverbs 30:12, 30:20, Zechariah 11:5, Revelation 3:17 +5

9 And I that am the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. References God: Hosea 13:4, 2 Samuel 7:2

10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Prophecy: 2 Kings 17:13, Jeremiah 7:25, Joel 2:28. Parallel theme: Jeremiah 19:1, Ezekiel 20:49

11 Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrificeSacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach). The Hebrew zevach (זֶבַח) denotes a sacrifice or offering—an animal slaughtered for worship. Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, 'the Lamb of God' (John 1:29). bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields. Sin: Hosea 6:8, 8:11. Sacrifice: Hosea 10:1. Parallel theme: Hosea 4:15, 9:15

12 And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. Parallel theme: Genesis 31:41

13 And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. References Lord: Exodus 13:3. References Egypt: Micah 6:4. Parallel theme: Psalms 77:20

14 Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his LordLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. return unto him. Blood: Ezekiel 18:13. Parallel theme: Daniel 11:18