A REPROOF OF COMMERCIAL DISHONESTY The Hebrew text divides the chapter more correctly at this v. The prophet returns to the subject of the unfaithfulness both of Israel and of Judah. They have sought help where it was not to be found, and neglected God, the only source of help, in forgetfulness of... [ Continue Reading ]
JACOB] as before used to introduce the personal history of the Patriarch, from which Hosea seeks to draw an analogous lesson for the people. Jacob had begun life by cunningly supplanting his brother, but afterwards had made a covenant with God. Israel is now exhorted to do likewise.... [ Continue Reading ]
BY HIS STRENGTH] RV 'in his manhood.' It refers to Jacob's wrestling with the angel at Penuel (Genesis 32:24).... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WEPT] Not mentioned in Genesis 32:25. HE FOUND HIM] the subject is Jehovah. IN BETH-EL] The reference is probably to Jacob's dream (Genesis 28:10). WITH US] Hosea here regards God's promises to Jacob as made to the people Israel, whom in fact they chiefly concerned. 5. Lit. 'And Jehovah is the Go... [ Continue Reading ]
AND EPHRAIM] The Israelites had only too readily learnt the tricks of cheating from the Canaanites. YET] RV 'surely.' It is the natural consequence of his unjust dealing. IN ALL.. SIN] Israel is nevertheless perfectly self-satisfied and has no pangs of conscience.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND] RV 'But.' In spite of all this I will not leave you to your evil ways. TABERNACLES] RV 'tents.' Israel had learned nothing since the days in the wilderness. In religion and morality they were still like those who came out of Egypt. Therefore they would have to go back to captivity and begin th... [ Continue Reading ]
GILEAD.. GILGAL] both sanctuaries: see Hosea 4:15; Hosea 6:8. _Is there_ INIQUITY, etc.] RV 'Is Gilead iniquity? 'The question is only a rhetorical way of stating an astounding fact. 12. The idolatry of Israel implies a forgetfulness of God, by whose providence Jacob was rescued from servitude. The... [ Continue Reading ]
JUDAH.. SAINTS] RM better, 'and Judah is yet unstedfast with God, and with the Holy One who is faithful.' HOSEA 12:1. EPHRAIM.. EAST WIND] an attack on Israel's foreign policy and cunning commercial dealings with foreign powers. The WIND stands for what is useless and unsatisfying. The east wind wa... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHRAIM.. BITTERLY] In spite of all this kindness Ephraim had provoked God to great anger. HIS BLOOD] plural, meaning 'bloodshed.' The blood which he has shed shall not be wiped off, but remain in God's eye, a witness of his crime. For a somewhat similar idea cp. Genesis 4:10. HIS REPROACH] God will... [ Continue Reading ]