Hosea 12

The vanity of Ephraim’s current efforts is illustrated plainly in verse 1: "Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind.” Good luck catching the wind. There is no end to their sin: “he daily increases lies and desolation,” and once again, the alliances with Assyria and Egypt are condemned (v. 1). Judah won’t escape either: “The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds He will recompense him” (v. 2). The southern kingdom would survive longer than the north, but the Lord could already see in what direction Judah was headed.

In verses 3-5, Jehovah reminds them of the history of their father Jacob. “He took his brother by the heel in the womb” (v. 3); “he struggled with the Angel and prevailed” (v. 4); “he found Him in Bethel” (v. 4). And Jacob knew Who He was: “That is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name” (v. 5). And He would save Israel if only the people would let Him: “So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice” (v. 6). Hopefully, Israel could be inspired to righteousness by being reminded of their illustrious father. But it wasn’t going to happen.

Ephraim had gotten wealthy during the reign of Jeroboam II (825-784 B.C.), but apparently had done so through “deceitful scales” and oppression (v. 7). And, of course, the people never gave thanks to God: “And Ephraim said, 'Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.’” But they were only fooling themselves. “But I am the LORD your God…I will again make you dwell in tents” (v. 9). Living in the those miserable tents during the 40 years of wandering in the hot desert certainly could not have been a pleasant reminder, especially for those who currently “lie on beds of ivory” (Amos 6:4). There’s probably nothing more that the rich fear than debilitating poverty, but that’s where Israel was headed. The Lord had tried: “I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets,” (v. 10), but Ephraim trusted rather in her vain idols (v. 11). In verse 12, the Lord once again reminds them of the righteousness of their father Jacob, though the exact meaning of the thought is obscure. Listening to God’s prophets is the way to safety: “By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved” (v. 13). But, rather than that, “Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly; therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, and return his reproach upon him” (v. 14). When the Lord speaks, we must listen. And if we do not, then we have no one to blame for our doom but ourselves.