Hosea12

Hosea 12 begins by condemning Ephraim for its reliance on foreign alliances and increasing deceit, while also declaring the LORD's controversy with Judah. The chapter recalls Jacob's struggle with God as a historical precedent for divine interaction. It then calls for Israel to return to God, practicing mercy and judgment. Despite Ephraim's self-proclaimed righteousness and wealth, the LORD reminds them of His past deliverance and guidance through prophets, warning of impending judgment for their bitter provocation.

Ephraim's Political and Spiritual Folly

1
Ephraim is enjoying wind, And is pursuing an east wind, All the day lying and spoiling he multiplieth, And a covenant with Asshur they make, And oil to Egypt is carried.
2
And a controversy hath Jehovah with Judah, To lay a charge on Jacob according to his ways, According to his doings He returneth to him.

The Example of Jacob, Israel's Ancestor

3
In the womb he took his brother by the heel, And by his strength he was a prince with God,
4
Yea, he is a prince unto the Messenger, And he overcometh by weeping, And he maketh supplication to Him, At Bethel He doth find him, And there He doth speak with us,
5
Even Jehovah, God of the Hosts, Jehovah is His memorial.
6
And thou, through thy God, dost turn, Kindness and judgment keep thou, And wait on thy God continually.

Ephraim’s Deceit and False Riches

7
Canaan! in his hand are balances of deceit! To oppress he hath loved.
8
And Ephraim saith: `Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself, All my labours--they find not against me iniquity that is sin.'

God’s Deliverance and Impending Judgment

9
And I--Jehovah thy God from the land of Egypt, Again do I turn thee back into tents, As in the days of the appointed time.
10
And I have spoken unto the prophets, And I have multiplied vision, And by the hand of the prophets I use similes.
11
Surely Gilead is iniquity, Only, vanity they have been, In Gilead bullocks they have sacrificed, Also their altars are as heaps, on the furrows of a field.
12
And Jacob doth flee to the country of Aram, And Israel doth serve for a wife, Yea, for a wife he hath kept watch.
13
And by a prophet hath Jehovah brought up Israel out of Egypt, And by a prophet it hath been watched.
14
Ephraim hath provoked most bitterly, And his blood on himself he leaveth, And his reproach turn back to him doth his Lord!
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