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The Bible · 874 of 1189

Hosea 12

1.Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. 2. The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

3.He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: 4. Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Beth-el, and there he spake with us; 5. Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. 6. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.

7.He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress. 8. And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin. 9. 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. 10. I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. 11. 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. 12. And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. 13. And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. 14. Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.

Asked of Guide

Why does Hosea accuse Ephraim of 'feeding on wind' and making covenants with foreigners?

Hosea says Ephraim feeds on wind to show their pursuits are empty and unstable — “they daily increaseth lies and desolation.” Their bargain with Assyria and oil sent into Egypt are concrete examples of seeking security in foreign alliances and commerce instead of reliance on the LORD.

The prophet contrasts their cleverness with culpability: Ephraim is a deceitful merchant whose “balances of deceit are in his hand,” claiming prosperity while oppressing others. Hosea’s remedy is a call to return — “turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually” — echoing themes found in Micah, which also demands justice, mercy, and humble dependence on God.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.