121 Ephraim feeds on wind , And pursues the east wind continually e ; He multiplies lies and violence . Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria , And oil is carried to Egypt . 2 The Lord also has a dispute with Judah , And will punish Jacob according to his ways ; He will repay him according to his deeds . 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel , And in his maturity he contended with God . 4 Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed ; He wept and sought His favor . He found Him at Bethel And there He spoke with us, 5 Even the Lord , the God of hosts , The Lord is His name . 6 Therefore, return to your God , Observe kindness and justice , And wait for your God continually .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hosea 12:1-6
Commentary on Hosea 12:1-6
(Read Hosea 12:1-6)
Ephraim feeds himself with vain hopes of help from man, when he is at enmity with God. The Jews vainly thought to secure the Egyptians by a present of the produce of their country. Judah is contended with also. God sees the sin of his own people, and will reckon with them for it. They are put in mind of what Jacob did, and what God did for him. When his faith upon the Divine promise prevailed above his fears, then by his strength he had power with God. He is Jehovah, the same that was, and is, and is to come. What was a revelation of God to one, is his memorial to many, to all generations. Then let those who have gone from God, be turned to him. Turn thou to the Lord, by repentance and faith, as thy God. Let those that are converted to him, walk with him in all holy conversation and godliness. Let us wrestle with Him for promised blessings, determined not to give over till we prevail; and let us seek Him in his ordinances.