← Back to Hosea

Hosea 12

14 verses

TL;DR

Hosea 12 denounces Ephraim’s deceit and Judah’s disobedience, warns of God’s judgment, and urges the people to turn back to God.

Summary

In Hosea 12, the prophet castigates Ephraim for feeding on deceit, following false wind, and forming a covenant with Assyria while oil is brought to Egypt. The Lord declares a controversy with Judah, promising to punish Jacob according to his deeds. The text reflects on divine sovereignty, citing God’s power over angels, Bethel, and the prophets’ visions. Ephraim’s boast of wealth contrasts with the warning that his prosperity is illusory. God calls Israel to repentance, promising to dwell with them again as in the old covenant, and condemns the idolatrous sacrifices in Gilead and Gilgal. The chapter ends with a reminder of God’s judgment against Ephraim’s provocation and the consequences that will return to them.

Outline
  1. Condemnation of Ephraim’s deception and Judah’s disobedience
  2. Divine judgment and call to repentance
  3. Prophetic warning and assurance of God’s presence
Themes
Idolatry and deceptionJudgment and covenantCall to repentance
Keywords
EphraimJudahJacobGodBethelprophetscovenantidolatryjudgment
People
EphraimJudahJacobGodProphetIsrael
Places
AssyriaEgyptBethelGileadGilgalSyria
Things
oilcovenantprophets’ visionsaltarsbullockstabernacles
Key Verses
  • Hosea 12:1: Highlights Ephraim’s deceit and the covenant with Assyria.
  • Hosea 12:6: Calls for turning back to God and keeping mercy and judgment.
Questions
  • What does Ephraim’s “wind” symbolize in the context of idolatry?
  • How does the text link God’s judgment of Judah to the covenant with Assyria?
  • In what ways does Hosea 12 call the Israelites to repentance, and how might this be relevant today?
  • Why is the image of God’s “balance” and “deceit” used in verse 7?
  • How does the description of sacrifices in Gilead and Gilgal critique religious practices?
  • What is the significance of God’s promise to dwell in tabernacles as in the old covenant?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter presents judgment and warning, yet offers a hopeful call to repentance.