Hosea 12

Hosea 12:1

“Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind.” This is a reference to the east wind which comes over the burning Arabian desert and blows through that land. God is saying, “I intend to let the Assyrians come through the land just like the east wind.”

Hosea 12:2

Many people have questioned why God put it in His Word that Jacob took hold of his brother Esau’s heel. It is interesting to note that today medicine and psychology have said that probably the most important period of a man’s life is when he is in the womb, because even in the womb character is being formed as well as the human body. This little fellow Jacob began to reveal something in the wombhe revealed that he wanted to be the firstborn. Although Esau beat him out, Jacob wanted to be the firstborn. I do not know how to explain it other than to say that it was in his heart from the very beginning. He wrestled at his birth, and God had to wrestle with him later on in his life at Peniel to bring him to submission so that He would be able to bless him. “Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed.” How did he prevail?

Was he a better wrestler? Would he appear on television today as an outstanding wrestler? No, Jacob wasn’t much of a wrestler. He had his ears pinned back and his shoulders pinned to the mat. God had him down, but he won. How did he win?

By surrendering. My friend, you can fight God all you want to, but you’ll never win until you surrender to Him.

Hosea 12:5

The name Jehovah, or “the LORD,” is a name God gave to Israel as a memorial. He said, “You will always know Me by My name. I am Jehovah, the self-existing one, the living God.” We do not need images to remind us of God. His very name expresses His nature.

Hosea 12:6

These people needed to practice what they preached. In our day, the worship of Satan and the giving over to homosexuality is leading to the basest of crimes. Only by coming to the living God and waiting upon Him continually will we have mercy and justice; they go togetheryou will not have one without the other.

Hosea 12:7

This speaks of dishonesty in business, something of which God does not approve.

Hosea 12:8

In other words, Ephraim felt he was able to buy his way with money. He had made his money dishonestly, but he thought he was being blessed of God.

Hosea 12:9

God is saying to Israel, “I am not through with youI’ll not give you up.”

Hosea 12:11

“Is there iniquity in Gilead?” Gilead is the place where there should be a balm to heal the wound, but Gilead was then a place of sin.

Hosea 12:14

“Therefore shall he leave his blood upon him.” His blood shall rest upon his own head, for he is guilty and deserves death. Blood had been shed profusely, and the guilt of his sin remained upon him. Israel had turned from God, and therefore He must judge them.