Introduction
The prophet, in very pointed terms, describes the unprofitableness and destruction attending vicious courses; particularly such as Ephraim pursued, who forsook God, and courted the alliance of idolatrous princes, Hosea 12:1 . Judah is also reproved, Hosea 12:2 . He is reminded of the extraordinary favor of God to his father Jacob, in giving him the birthright; and exhorted, after his example, to wrestle with God (the Angel of the covenant, the same unchangeable Jehovah) for a blessing; and to love mercy and execute justice, Hosea 12:3-4 . Ephraim is accused of pursuing practices that are deceitful, although pretending to integrity, Hosea 12:7 , Hosea 12:8 . God then threatens to deprive this people of their possessions, Hosea 12:9 , as they had rejected every means of reformation, Hosea 12:10 , and given themselves up to gross impieties, Hosea 12:11 . And, as an aggravation of their guilt, they are reminded from what humble beginnings they had been raised, Hosea 12:12 , Hosea 12:13 . The Divine judgments about to fall upon Israel are declared to be the result of great provocation, Hosea 12:14 .
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