Hosea 12

The last verse of chapter 11 and the first of chapter 12 go together, the chapter division being faulty. If Ephraim is to be blessed, as promised in the sure word of God, it will not be because of anything in themselves that might be thought to win for them His favor (Ezekiel 36:22, 32²²Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. (Ezekiel 36:22)
³²Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. (Ezekiel 36:32)).

In verse 2, Judah is brought in, and thus “Jacob” (i.e., the whole of the twelve tribes springing from the patriarch) was to be punished according to his ways. Jacob had been exceedingly self-seeking in his course; there was much of the energy of nature about him, though he was a child of God by faith.

Genesis 32:24-31²⁴And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. ²⁵And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. ²⁶And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. ²⁷And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. ²⁸And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. ²⁹And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. ³⁰And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. ³¹And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. (Genesis 32:24‑31) is referred to in verses 3-4 and 35:1-15 in verse 5. These passages tell of the faithfulness of God, His interest in His people and His purpose to bless them, though trials must beset them on the way.

Ephraim’s character is further dwelt upon in verses 7-8, yet blessing will be his in the end (verse 9). Verse 11 speaks of idolatry in Gilgal, the place connected so intimately with Israel’s first arrival in the land of their inheritance. In verses 12-13 the wayward people are reminded that God had protected both their patriarchal head and their forefathers, when enemies would have done them ill.

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