Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

12:3-4 The references are to events in Jacob's life where he excelled. Jacob took his brother by the heel at birth (Gen. 25:26). He strove with the angel and prevailed (Hos. 12:4) at Peniel (Gen. 32:24-31). There the angel touched Jacob's hip socket and put it out of joint. That divine wounding of Jacob made him into a new man, Israel. Jacob met God at Bethel (Hos. 12:4) when he complied with God's command, and God reassured Jacob of his former promises (Gen. 35:9-15).

12:5-8 The specific mention of the Lord by his fuller name is joined with the prevailing of Jacob. (For the memorial name, cf. Ex. 3:15.) The prophet once again calls his people to their divine calling and election, ratified by promises to the patriarchs (see note on Hos. 2:8; cf. Rom. 9:10-13). God's election was the origin of Israel's calling and the very reason that Israel can now be restored: by grace, Israel can return and exhibit the qualities of love and justice (Hos. 12:6). But Israel's deeds and words (vv. 7-8) show they refuse to hold fast and wait continually for their God (v. 6). A merchant, in whose hands are false balances. Their cruel and deceptive business practices oppress while they think of themselves as innocent.

12:10 it was I who multiplied visions. The revelations granted to the Lord's people by the ministry of the Lord's prophets were special and numerous (Deut. 4:5-6, 32-36; Ps. 147:19-20). The visions and parables given to the prophets indicate the normal means that God uses to reveal truths to the prophets (cf. Num. 12:6).

12:12-14 The mention again of Jacob emphasizes God's grace in preserving his fugitive so that he would father the 12 tribes of Israel. Aram is Paddan-Aram (Gen. 28:2, 5). The prophet was Moses, who led the nation out of Egypt (Deut. 18:15; 34:10). In the face of God's gracious deliverance and preservation of his people, Ephraim has given bitter provocation.