Hosea 12
Lutheran reading notes
In Hosea chapter 12, the prophetic message develops the theme of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s enduring covenant love. Lutheran interpretation often highlights the contrast between divine judgment against sin and the promise of grace that God provides for those who trust in Him.
1
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
Hosea 12:1 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him. {punish: Heb. visit upon}
Hosea 12:2 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: {had...: Heb. was a prince, or, behaved himself princely}
Hosea 12:3 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him {in} Bethel, and there he spake with us;
Hosea 12:4 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD {is} his memorial.
6
Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
Hosea 12:6 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
{He is} a merchant, the balances of deceit {are} in his hand: he loveth to oppress. {a merchant: or, Canaan} {oppress: or, deceive}
Hosea 12:7 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: {in} all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that {were} sin. {in all...: or, all my labours suffice me not: he shall have punishment of iniquity in whom is sin} {that: Heb. which}
Hosea 12:8 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
And I {that am} the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.
Hosea 12:9 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. {ministry: Heb. hand}
Hosea 12:10 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
{Is there} iniquity {in} Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars {are} as heaps in the furrows of the fields.
Hosea 12:11 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept {sheep}.
Hosea 12:12 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.
Hosea 12:13 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
Ephraim provoked {him} to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him. {most...: Heb. with bitternesses} {blood: Heb. bloods}
Hosea 12:14 highlights prophetic call to repentance and hope with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.