Bible Commentary

When Ephraim spoke trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. 1. When Ephraim spake trembling, &c.] The Hebrew is difficult, and the soundness of the text is perhaps questionable. At any rate, the rendering will depend on one’s impression of the requirements of the context. To the present … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 13:1”

Ephraim provoked [him] to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him. 14. This verse would be less abrupt if it immediately followed Hos 12:11, of which it might be taken to furnish a fuller justification. provoked ] Rather, hath provoked. therefore shall … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:14”

And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. 13. by a prophet ] i.e. Moses (comp. Deu 34:10). Hosea contrasts the helplessness and the hardships of Jacob-Israel with the wonderful deliverance and preservation of his descendants. Comp. Isa 51:2, ‘I called him alone, and blessed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:13”

And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep]. 12. fled into the country of Syria ] Comp. Gen 27:43; Gen 28:2. Hosea’s phrase, the field of Aram, is the exact equivalent of ‘Padan-Aram’ (rather Paddan-Aram) in the latter passage; the Assyrian padnu … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:12”

[Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields. 11. The ruin of two famous centres of idolatry, representing together the entire northern kingdom. Is there iniquity, &c.] More probably, If Gilead is (given to) idolatry, mere vanity … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:11”

I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. 10. It is not for want of warnings that this calamity comes upon the Israelites. In the most various ways has Jehovah spoken, not to, but by the prophets. Visions similitudes ] A prophetic … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:10”

And I [that am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. 9. And I ] Rather, For I. It is explanatory of the vague hint of an inexorable doom. thy God from the land of Egypt ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:9”

And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labors they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin. 8. And Ephraim said ] Better, Ephraim indeed said, Surely I have become rich, I have gotten me wealth: all my profits shall bring me no iniquity … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:8”

[He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress. 7. He is a merchant, &c.] Rather, Canaan! in his hand are deceitful balances; he loveth to extort. The geographical term ‘Canaan’ simply means ‘lowland’, and therefore might be, and was, applied to Phnicia (Isa 23:11) as well as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:7”

Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. 6. Therefore turn thou to thy God ] Lit., ‘And thou return thou in thy God’; i.e., such being the character of God, who lets Himself be won by wrestling prayer, return thou to thy God, and rest in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 12:6”