Hosea 12
1Ephraim feeds on the wind;he pursues the east wind all dayand multiplies lies and violence.He makes a treaty with Assyriaand sends olive oil to Egypt. 2The Lord has a charge to bring against Judah;he will punish Jacob according to his waysand repay him according to his deeds. 3In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel;as a man he struggled with God. 4He struggled with the angel and overcame him;he wept and begged for his favor.He found him at Betheland talked with him there— 5the Lord God Almighty,the Lord is his name! 6But you must return to your God;maintain love and justice,and wait for your God always. 7The merchant uses dishonest scalesand loves to defraud. 8Ephraim boasts,“I am very rich; I have become wealthy.With all my wealth they will not find in meany iniquity or sin.” 9“I have been the Lord your Godever since you came out of Egypt;I will make you live in tents again,as in the days of your appointed festivals. 10I spoke to the prophets,gave them many visionsand told parables through them.” 11Is Gilead wicked?Its people are worthless!Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal?Their altars will be like piles of stoneson a plowed field. 12Jacob fled to the country of Aram;Israel served to get a wife,and to pay for her he tended sheep. 13The Lord used a prophet to bring Israel up from Egypt,by a prophet he cared for him. 14But Ephraim has aroused his bitter anger;his Lord will leave on him the guilt of his bloodshedand will repay him for his contempt.
Study Context for Hosea 12
As you study Hosea 12, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Unfaithfulness, Love, Restoration. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
UnfaithfulnessLoveRestoration
Observation: What does Hosea 12 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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