Contrast between Ephraim and Judah (11:12-12:2)

From today’s passage, we enter the fourth division (the final division) of the Book of Hosea. The theme of this division is “Israel’s Sin and God’s Salvation.” Hosea 11:12 is Hosea 12:1 in the Hebrew Bible. First, the contrast between Ephraim and Judah is described. (1) Ephraim was full of falsehood and deceit. However, at this point, Judah was maintaining faith and was walking with God. (2) The condition of Ephraim is described figuratively. “Feeds on wind” symbolizes a futile way of life. “Pursues the east wind” refers to a way of life that brings scorching wind (a symbol of God’s judgment) upon oneself. Ephraim kept increasing deceit and violence, and this was conspicuous in its confused foreign policy. (3) When we come to verse 2, severe words are spoken also against Judah. In time, Judah too will become an apostate people and come to receive God’s judgment.

Contrast between Jacob and his descendants (12:3-6)

Next, the contrast between Jacob and his descendants is described. The blessing of the Abrahamic covenant was passed on to Isaac and then to Jacob. From Jacob came the twelve tribes of Israel (Ephraim represents the ten northern tribes, and Judah represents the two southern tribes). However, the descendants of Jacob did not walk as their ancestor Jacob had walked. (1) While Jacob was still in his mother’s womb, he pushed aside his brother. The reason was that he sought God’s blessing. We Gentiles tend to think of Jacob as a cunning man, but the Bible’s evaluation is different. It says, “In his mature strength he contended with God,” and this too was in order to seek God’s blessing. (2) He wrestled with the angel and prevailed, yet he wept and sought blessing. As a result, he was able to meet God at Bethel. In the end, Jacob met God twice at Bethel: on his way to Aram (Syria) and on his way back from Aram (Syria) (Gen. 28:11-22; 35:1-15). (3) The descendants of Jacob should have followed the faith of their ancestor Jacob, but instead they became like the Canaanites (the next passage makes this clear). The life of Jacob, who earnestly sought God’s blessing, is both a model and a lesson for us as well. Whose influence are you living under? Let us walk together with those who love and fear God, without being swept along by the values of those who do not know God.