The Balances of Deceit
September 16, 2020
Commentary
Before developing the themes of guilt and judgement (12:9-13:16), Hosea reminded Israel of its unfaithfulness (vv.1-2), and of its need to repent (vv. 5-6). In doing so he drew a lesson from the life of Jacob (vv. 3-4). Much like the people of our day the people of Hosea’s day were not in agreement with God’s purpose, but in rebellion with God’s standard and out of touch with God’s power. In their idolatrous condition they attempted to buy Egypt’s favor through gifts of oil instead of seeking God’s blessing through obedience (v. 10). Judah would also experience God’s judgement because they had also forsaken God and gone after idols (v. 2).
Next, Israel was reminded of the vast spiritual difference between Jacob and themselves (vv. 3-4). Rebellion had replaced the submissive spirit which made their forefathers great. Jacob always wanted God’s best, even though he did not always seek it God’s way. Like Jacob, Israel needed to return to the Lord (vv. 5-6) with tears and prayers (v. 4). Israel’s repentance would necessitate a complete reversal in her dealings and attitudes. The nation was obsessed with economic dishonesty, pride, and insensitivity to her sin. The Lord however would not overlook such blatant disobedience and ingratitude. As a sign of His continued love and faithfulness to Israel, He sent prophets to call the people back to God (v. 10). Eventually their altars would be reduced to piles of stone (v. 11).
Application
Israel thought their wealth was a sign of God’s approval and they didn’t consider how they had gotten it. God’s measure of success in my life is faithfulness and not affluence. Godly character in my life is more important to Him than anything I may possess.
Hosea 12:1– 14 (NET)
1 Ephraim continually feeds on the wind; he chases the east wind all day; he multiplies lies and violence. They make treaties with Assyria, and send olive oil as tribute to Egypt.
2 The Lord also has a covenant lawsuit against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
3 In the womb he attacked his brother; in his manly vigor he struggled with God.
4 He struggled with an angel and prevailed; he wept and begged for his favor. He found God at Bethel, and there he spoke with him!
5 As for the Lord God Almighty, the Lord is the name by which he is remembered!
6 But you must return to your God, by maintaining love and justice and by waiting for your God to return to you.
7 The businessmen love to cheat; they use dishonest scales.
8 Ephraim boasts, “I am very rich! I have become wealthy! In all that I have done to gain my wealth, no one can accuse me of any offense that is actually sinful.”
9 “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again as in the days of old.
10 I spoke to the prophets; I myself revealed many visions; I spoke in parables through the prophets.”
11 Is there idolatry in Gilead? Certainly its inhabitants will come to nothing! Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Surely their altars will be like stones heaped up on a plowed field!
12 Jacob fled to the country of Aram, then Israel worked to acquire a wife; he tended sheep to pay for her.
13 The Lord brought Israel out of Egypt by a prophet, and due to a prophet Israel was preserved alive.
14 But Ephraim bitterly provoked him to anger; so he will hold him accountable for the blood he has shed, his Lord will repay him for the contempt he has shown.