Hosea 12:1 - A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, Jacob
Ephraim feeds on the wind
This phrase symbolizes the futility and emptiness of Ephraim's (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) pursuits. In biblical literature, "wind" often signifies something transient and insubstantial. The imagery suggests that Ephraim is engaging in activities that are ultimately unproductive and meaningless. This can be connected to Ecclesiastes 1:14, where the pursuit of the wind is equated with vanity.
and pursues the east wind all day long;
The "east wind" in the Bible is often associated with destruction and desolation, as seen in Genesis 41:6 and Exodus 10:13. By pursuing the east wind, Ephraim is depicted as chasing after destructive and harmful endeavors. This reflects their misguided alliances and reliance on foreign powers rather than trusting in God.
he multiplies lies and violence;
Ephraim's actions are characterized by deceit and aggression. This reflects the moral and spiritual decay within the nation, as they have turned away from God's commandments. The multiplication of lies and violence indicates a society deeply entrenched in sin, reminiscent of the conditions described in Micah 6:12.
he makes a covenant with Assyria
This refers to the political alliances that Israel sought with Assyria, a dominant power at the time. Such covenants were often made for protection or political gain but were contrary to God's desire for Israel to rely solely on Him. This is a direct violation of the covenantal relationship Israel was supposed to maintain with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:2.
and sends olive oil to Egypt.
Sending olive oil to Egypt signifies attempts to secure alliances and favor with another powerful nation. Olive oil, a valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, symbolizes the resources and wealth that Israel was willing to expend to secure these alliances. This reflects a lack of faith in God's provision and protection, similar to the warnings given in Isaiah 30:1-2 against relying on Egypt.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Ephraim
Represents the northern kingdom of Israel, often used synonymously with Israel in the prophetic books. Ephraim was the largest tribe and thus symbolized the whole nation.
2. Assyria
A powerful empire during Hosea's time, known for its military might and influence. Israel sought alliances with Assyria for protection, which demonstrated a lack of trust in God.
3. Egypt
Another powerful nation, often seen as a place of refuge or alliance for Israel. Sending olive oil to Egypt symbolizes Israel's reliance on foreign powers rather than God.
4. The East Wind
In the Hebrew context, the east wind is often associated with destruction and desolation. It symbolizes the futility and destructive nature of Israel's pursuits.
5. Hosea
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to Israel. His life and marriage were symbolic of God's relationship with Israel.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Misplaced Trust
Just as Ephraim chased the wind, relying on human alliances rather than God leads to emptiness and destruction. Believers are called to place their trust in God alone.
The Consequences of Deception
Multiplying lies and violence leads to broken relationships and societal decay. Christians are encouraged to live truthfully and peaceably.
The Dangers of Compromise
Making covenants with worldly powers can lead to spiritual compromise. Believers should be cautious of forming alliances that may lead them away from God's will.
The Symbolism of the East Wind
The east wind represents the inevitable consequences of sin and rebellion. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and returning to God.
The Call to Repentance
Hosea's message is ultimately one of hope and restoration. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God calls His people to return to Him and experience His mercy.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 12In Hosea 11:1, how can 'Out of Egypt I called my son' refer to both Israel's exodus and Jesus in Matthew 2:15 without contradiction?In Hosea 9:3, how does the claim that Israel would return to Egypt align with historical records that show no major return after the Exodus?Hosea 12:9: Is there any historical record of Israel returning to a nomadic lifestyle in tents after the Exodus period?Why does Ezekiel 23:4 personify Samaria and Jerusalem as immoral sisters, and is there historical or archeological evidence to support these specific accusations?
XII.
(1) East wind.--Comp. Isaiah 27:8 and Job 27:21. On the latter passage Wetzstein remarks:--"This wind is more frequent in winter and early spring, when, if it continues long, the tender vegetation is parched up, and a year of famine follows. Both man and beast feel sickly while it prevails." Hence, that which is unpleasant and revolting in life is compared by Orientals to the east wind. The idea expressed by the east wind here is the same as in Job 15:2, combining the notions of destructiveness and emptiness. The covenant with Assyria refers to the events of the reign of Hoshea. Covenants with Assyria, and presents to Egypt were to Hosea curses in disguise. (See Note on Hosea 7:11.)
Verse 1. - Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind. "Wind" is employed figuratively to denote what is empty and vain, of no real worth or practical benefit.
1. To feed on wind is to take pleasure in or draw sustenance from what can really afford neither; while following after the east wind is
(1) to pursue vain hopes and ideals which are unattainable. According to this view, the prominent idea of the east wind is its fleetness, which passed into a proverb; thus Horace says, "Agents nimbos Oeior Euro." To outrun the swift and stormy east wind would represent an undertaking at once impracticable and hopeless. But
(2) it is rather the blasting influence of the east wind that is referred to, so that it is a figurative representation, not so much of what is vain and hopeless, as of what is pernicious and destructive. Thus their course was not only idle, but injurious; not only delusive, but destructive; not only fruitless, but fatal. Their career, which is thus represented, included their idolatry and foreign alliances Kimchi explains this clause as follows: "In his service of the calves he is like him who opens his mouth to the wind and feeds on it, though he cannot support life thereby." And followeth after the east wind; ' he repeats the sense in different words, and mentions the east wind because it is the strongest and most injurious of winds to the sons of men. So with them: it is not enough that the idolatry of the calves does not profit them, but it actually injures them." . . . Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Ephraim
אֶפְרַ֜יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory
chases
רֹעֶ֥ה (rō·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with
the wind
ר֙וּחַ֙ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit
and pursues
וְרֹדֵ֣ף (wə·rō·ḏêp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute
the east wind
קָדִ֔ים (qā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6921: The fore, front part, the East
all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every
day long;
הַיּ֕וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day
he multiplies
יַרְבֶּ֑ה (yar·beh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great
lies
כָּזָ֥ב (kā·zāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3577: A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing
and violence;
וָשֹׁ֖ד (wā·šōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7701: Violence, havoc, devastation, ruin
he makes
יִכְרֹ֔תוּ (yiḵ·rō·ṯū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant
a covenant
וּבְרִית֙ (ū·ḇə·rîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant
with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with
Assyria
אַשּׁ֣וּר (’aš·šūr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 804: Ashshur
and sends
יוּבָֽל׃ (yū·ḇāl)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2986: To conduct, bear along
olive oil
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן (wə·še·men)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness
to Egypt.
לְמִצְרַ֥יִם (lə·miṣ·ra·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
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Hosea 12:1 Catholic BibleOT Prophets: Hosea 12:1 Ephraim feeds on wind and chases (Ho Hs Hos.)