Tyndale Open Study NotesHosea 12

Israel has engaged in deception and dishonesty since Jacob's time.

• a covenant with Assyria: To save his land, Hoshea became a vassal of King Shalmaneser of Assyria (2 Kings 17:3). Hoshea soon rebelled against Shalmaneser by withholding tribute and sought support from King So of Egypt (2 Kings 17:4).

• east wind: See study note on Job 38:24–27.

• he grasped his brother’s heel (literally he supplanted his brother): The Hebrew verb ‘aqab is the root of Jacob's name. Even before birth, Jacob lived up to his name by supplanting his brother Esau (Genesis 25:26).

• As an adult, Jacob even fought with God (see Genesis 32:22–30) and was renamed “Israel,” meaning “God fights.”

he found Him at Bethel: See Genesis 28:11–22.

The Lord urged Israel to stop living like Jacob. Instead, they should return to God and act with love and justice.

• During the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC), Israelite merchants became very wealthy. They often used deceitful business practices like dishonest scales (see Amos 8:5–6).

• The Hebrew term for merchants is kena‘an (“Canaan”). Canaanite traders were known in the ancient world for their crafty dealings. The Israelites imitated their pagan neighbors in both religion and commerce.

I will again make you dwell in tents: This judgment on the wealthy Israelite merchants means they will return to the simple homes of the exodus. There is also hope here. God's plan to save Israel will start again in the wilderness (see Hosea 2:14–15).

Gilead and Gilgal were cities where Israelites worshiped Baal instead of the Lord (see Hosea 4:15; 6:8; 9:15).

by a prophet: Moses obeyed God faithfully, which contrasts with Israel's disobedience.