CHAPTER XII _The prophet, in very pointed terms, describes the_ _unprofitableness and destruction attending vicious courses;_ _particularly such as Ephraim pursued, who forsook God, and_ _courted the alliance of idolatrous princes_, 1. _Judah is also reproved_, 2. _He is reminded of the extrao... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:2. _THE LORD HATH ALSO A CONTROVERSY WITH JUDAH_] The rest of the prophecy belongs both to Judah and Israel. He reproaches both with their ingratitude, and threatens them with God's anger. In order to make their infidelity the more hateful, and their malice the more sensible, he oppos... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:3. _HE TOOK HIS BROTHER BY THE HEEL_] See on Genesis 25:26; Genesis 32:24, c.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:4. _HE HAD POWER OVER THE ANGEL_] Who represented the invisible Jehovah. _HE WEPT, AND MADE SUPPLICATION_] He entreated with tears that God would bless him; and he _prevailed_. The circumstance of his _weeping_ is not mentioned in _Genesis_. _HE FOUND HIM_ IN _BETH-EL_] It was there... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:5. _THE LORD_ IS _HIS MEMORIAL._] He is the same God as when Jacob so successfully wrestled with him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:6. _THEREFORE TURN THOU TO THY GOD_] Because he is the same, and cannot change. Seek him as faithfully and as fervently as Jacob did, and you will find him the same merciful and compassionate Being.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:7. HE IS _A MERCHANT_] Or a _Canaanite_; referring to the _Phoenicians_, famous for their traffic. Ephraim is as corrupt as those heathenish traffickers were. He kept, as many in all ages have done, a _weight_ and a _weight_; a _heavy_ one to _buy_ with and a _light_ one to _sell_ by.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:8. _I AM BECOME RICH_] They boasted in their riches, notwithstanding the _unjust manner_ in which they were acquired. IN _ALL MY LABOURS THEY SHALL FIND NONE INIQUITY IN ME_] This is frequently the language of merchants, tradesmen, c. None are so full of professions of equity and ju... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:9. _AND I - THE LORD THY GOD_] I who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, will again make thee to dwell in tabernacles. This appears to be a _threatening_. I will reduce you to as miserable a state in the land of your captivity, as you often were through your transgressions in the w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:10. _I HAVE ALSO SPOKEN_] I have used every means, and employed every method, to instruct and save you. I have sent _prophets_, who spake _plainly_, exhorting, warning, and beseeching you to return to me. They have had _Divine visions_, which they have declared and _interpreted_. They... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:11. _INIQUITY_ IN _GILEAD_] Gilgal and Gilead are equally iniquitous, and equally idolatrous. Gilead, which was beyond Jordan, had already been brought under subjection by Tiglath-Pileser. Gilgal, which was on this side Jordan, shall share the same fate; because it is now as idolatrou... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:12. _SERVED FOR A WIFE_] Seven years for _Rachel_. _FOR A WIFE HE KEPT_ SHEEP.] Seven years for _Leah_; having been cheated by Laban, who gave him first _Leah_, instead of _Rachel_; and afterwards made him serve seven years more before he would confirm his first engagement. Critics c... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:13. _BY A PROPHET_ (Moses) _THE LORD BROUGHT ISRAEL OUT OF_ _EGYPT, AND BY A PROPHET_ (Joshua) _WAS HE PRESERVED__._] Joshua succeeded Moses, and brought the Israelites into the promised land; and when they passed the Jordan at Gilgal, he received the covenant of circumcision; and yet... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Hosea 12:14. _THEREFORE SHALL HE LEAVE HIS BLOOD UPON HIM_] He will not remove his guilt. These are similar to our Lord's words, John 3:36; John 9:41: "He that believeth not on the Son of God, shall not see life, for the wrath of God ABIDETH ON HIM" - shall not be removed by any remission, as... [ Continue Reading ]