121 Ephraim is enjoying wind, And is pursuing an east wind, All the day lying and spoiling he multiplieth, And a covenant with Asshur they make, And oil to Egypt is carried. 2 And a controversy hath Jehovah with Judah, To lay a charge on Jacob according to his ways, According to his doings He returneth to him. 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, And by his strength he was a prince with God, 4 Yea, he is a prince unto the Messenger, And he overcometh 'by' weeping, And he maketh supplication to Him, At Bethel He doth find him, And there He doth speak with us, 5 Even Jehovah, God of the Hosts, Jehovah 'is' His memorial. 6 And thou, through thy God, dost turn, Kindness and judgment keep thou, And wait on thy 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.