Hosea 12

Hosea 12:1

EPhraim feedeth on winde] That is, flattereth himself with vain confidence, (the Eastern winde being very tempestuous in those Countries) continuing in his sinnes, and thinking to escape Gods judgements by strangd unlawfull covenants.

and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians] Chap. 5. 13. and 7. 11.

oyl is carried into Egypt] Isaiah 30:6. and Isaiah 57:9. Sweet smelling oyl, whereof there was great plenty in Judea; 2 Kings 20:13. Meaning, presents to get friendship.

Hosea 12:2

The LORD hath also a controversie with Judah] That which I have spoken of Judah, is not to free him from all defects; for he also hath his grievous faults, but because Gods true service is yet remaining there, God will yet reprove and redargue him with words: but as for the ten Tribes, he will judge them with deeds, seeing they are almost become incapable of all correction.

punish] Heb. visit upon

Hosea 12:3

by the heel in the womb] Genesis 25:26. These Histories seem to be alleadged here to reprove Israel for their ingratitude, after so many great benefits of God towards their forefathers; which he reduceth to two heads, figured here in these two histories; one is Jacobs election before Esau his brother; the other, his deliverance from all those evils wherewith God had tried and exercised him.

by his strength] Which was given him by Gods grace. A figure of the spirituall strength of faith and the Spirit.

had power] Heb. was a Prince; or, behaved himself Princely. Genesis 32:24 &c.

with God] With the Sonne of God, who appeared to Jacob in a humane shape; who also by reason of his office of Mediatour, is afterward called Angel, which name is also given to the Sonne of God, Genesis 48:16.

Hosea 12:4

he wept] This weeping may be referred to that which is said, Genesis 32:24. and it seems it was a weeping upon some solemn request there made, as Hebrews 5:7.

he found him in Bethel] God appeared to Jacob, sleeping in Bethel, Genesis 28:12. and in his return from Padan-Aram, Genesis 35:9-11. and so spake with him there, that the fruit of that speech appertained to his posterity, whereof we are.

Hosea 12:5

Even the LORD God of hosts] Jehovah, which signifieth an eternall beeing, Exod. 3. 14, 15. is a name which calleth into his peoples minde the power and truth of God, and a pledge of his promises, which he will without fail perform, if they trust in him, and turn to him.

his memoriall] Exodus 3:15.

Hosea 12:7

a Merchant] Heb. Canaan: Namely, Ephraim is degenerate, and like the wicked Canaanite, whose ordinary exercise was Merchandizing, with all the vices which were annexed unto it and therfore that name is taken for a Merchant addicted to dishonest gain, fraud, and avarice. See Ezekiel 16:3. and very often also for a deceiver.

Hosea 12:8

Yet I am become rich] Zac 11:5.

in all my labours, &c.] Or, all my labours suffice me not: he shall have punishment of iniquitie, in whom is sinne. I have not stained my trading with any great misdeed, onely I have used certain subtilties and arts therein, as were not subject to the law. Words of a profane and cauterized conscience.

that] Heb. which.

Hosea 12:9

And I that am the LORD] Although thou be so corrupt, yet will I observe mine ancient covenant which I made in the land of Egypt, towards my true Israel in spirit. An Evangelicall promise. Chap. 13. 4.

will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles] I will deliver my Church from the spirituall Egypt, and will make her passe through the wildernesse of the world, in particular Churches, aspiring towards the heavenly Canaan: even as my people dwelt in tents in the wildernesse: the remembrance whereof is celebrated in the feast of Tabernacles. Leviticus 23:43. See Zechariah 14:16.

Hosea 12:10

I have also spoken] If we reade it (as some do) in the future tense, then it is a promise alluding to Chap. 2. 14. meaning, I will amply manifest my self to your posteritie by my Apostles and Ministers of the Gospell. See Joel 2. 28.

used similitudes] Grave sentences and doctrines, illustrated with similitudes, according to the holy Ghosts style.

by the ministerie] Heb. by the hand.

Hosea 12:11

the iniquitie in Gilead] Chap. 6. 8.

surely they are vanitie] They are altogether drowned in idolatry.

they sacrifice] To idols, or it may be also to the true God, but beyond his command, wherefore it is all idolatry. See Hosea 4. 17. and 9. 15.

in Gilgal] Chap. 4. 15. and 9. 15. Amos 4:4. and Amos 5:5.

are as heaps] That is, they are innumerable, and at the end of every field. See Hosea 8:11. and Hosea 10:1.

Hosea 12:12

Jacob fled into the countrey of Syria] Genesis 28:5. The meaning seems to be, Remember the first voyage, which was Jacobs, in extreme misery and servitude; and the second, (vers. 13.) which was your coming out of Egypt, by a glorious deliverance by the hands of Moses; that you may fear lest I cause you to make a third into wretched captivity.

Israel served for a wife] Genesis 29:20; Genesis 29:28.

Hosea 12:13

And by a Prophet] Exod. 12. 50, 51. and 13. 3.

by a prophet was he preserved] Even like a flock of sheep. Psalms 77:20. Isaiah 63:11.

Hosea 12:14

most bitterly] Heb. with bitternesse.

therefore shall he leave] He will not pardon him his sinne, nor cleanse him from it; but will keep it still in remembrance, to punish him for it, at his appointed time. See Ezekiel 24:7-8.

bloud] Heb. blouds.