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Hosea Chapter 12 (ASV)

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Hosea 12 - Turn Thou to Thy God
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1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he continually multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 Jehovah hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he had power with God:

4 yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him at Beth-el, and there he spake with us,

5 even Jehovah, the God of hosts; Jehovah is his memorial `name'.

6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep kindness and justice, and wait for thy God continually.

7 `He is' a trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.

8 And Ephraim said, Surely I am become rich, I have found me wealth: in all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that were sin.

9 But I am Jehovah thy God from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make thee to dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.

10 I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.

11 Is Gilead iniquity? they are altogether false; in Gilgal they sacrifice bullocks; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the field.

12 And Jacob fled into the field of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept `sheep'.

13 And by a prophet Jehovah brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

14 Ephraim hath provoked to anger most bitterly: therefore shall his blood be left upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hosea 12 recall about Jacob?
It recounts how Jacob "took his brother by the heel in the womb," then later "had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him" (v.3-4), using this ancestor's story as a backdrop for God's dispute with Judah.
What accusation does verse 7 make against Ephraim?
"He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress" - accusing Ephraim of dishonest dealing despite claiming innocence in verse 8.
What does the chapter say about seeking God?
Verse 6 urges, "Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy God continually" - a call for justice and faithfulness similar in spirit to Micah 6:8.

Today's Verse

And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast hotly pursued after me?

Genesis 31:36 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

Ephraim's present dishonesty as a merchant 'with balances of deceit' stands in sharp contrast to Jacob's example, and the judgment intensifies in Hosea 13. The call to 'keep mercy and judgment' in verse 6 anticipates Micah's summary of true religion in Micah 6:8.