EGW WritingsHosea 12

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 23—The Decline and Fall of Israel

SS 151.3

Some leaders felt keenly their loss of prestige and wished that this might be regained. But they continued in iniquity, flattering themselves that they would attain the political power they desired by allying themselves with the heathen—making “a covenant with the Assyrians.” Hosea 12:1.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 23—The Assyrian Captivity

PK 280.2

Some of the leaders in Israel felt keenly their loss of prestige and wished that this might be regained. But instead of turning away from those practices which had brought weakness to the kingdom, they continued in iniquity, flattering themselves that when occasion arose, they would attain to the political power they desired by allying themselves with the heathen. “When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian.” “Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.” “They do make a covenant with the Assyrians.” Hosea 5:13; 7:11; 12:1.

PK 282.3

The prophets continued to protest against these evils and to plead for rightdoing. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy,” Hosea urged; “break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.” “Turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” “O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity: ... say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously.” Hosea 10:12; 12:6; 14:1, 2.

Testimony for the Church — No. 27

Jeremiah.

T27 42.1

He entreated them to hear the words that he spoke. He cited them to the prophecies of Hosea, Habakuk, Zephaniah, and others whose messages of reproof and warning had been similar to his own. He referred them to events which had transpired in their history in fulfillment of the prophecies of retribution for unrepented sins. Sometimes, as in this case, men had arisen in opposition to the message of God, and predicted peace and prosperity, to quiet the fears of the people, and gain the favor of those in high places. But in every past instance the judgment of God had been visited upon Israel, as the true prophets had indicated. Said he “The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known that the Lord hath truly sent him.” If Israel chose to run the risk, future developments would effectually decide which was the false prophet.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 82, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 82, 1895, par. 1

Sabbath, October 19, the gathering at the tent was larger than we expected, as in the forenoon meetings were held by our people in the different churches. Hereafter all will come to the ground on Sabbath and Sunday. In the forenoon Brother Corliss spoke from Hosea words that were full of instruction. I spoke in the afternoon from the fourth [chapter] of John: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” [Verse 10.]

Conflict and Courage

What Fruit? January 4

CC 10.5

Jacob resorted to fraud, and he reaped the harvest in his brother’s hatred. Through twenty years of exile he was himself wronged and defrauded.... But God says: “... I have seen his ways, and will heal him....” (Isaiah 57:18). Jacob in his distress was not overwhelmed. He had repented, he had endeavored to atone for the wrong to his brother. And when threatened with death through the wrath of Esau, he sought help from God.... “He wept, and made supplication” (Hosea 12:4). “And he blessed him there” (Genesis 32:29).... The power of evil in his own nature was broken; his character was transformed....

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Angel of the Covenant, August 6

JNN 232.4

The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory. It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication” (Hosea 12:4), pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 196, 197.

Education

Chapter 16—Bible Biographies

Ed 147.3

Jacob in his distress was not overwhelmed. He had repented, he had endeavored to atone for the wrong to his brother. And when threatened with death through the wrath of Esau, he sought help from God. “Yea, he had power over the Angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication.” “And He blessed him there.” Hosea 12:4; Genesis 32:29. In the power of His might the forgiven one stood up, no longer the supplanter, but a prince with God. He had gained not merely deliverance from his outraged brother, but deliverance from himself. The power of evil in his own nature was broken; his character was transformed.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 18—The Night of Wrestling

PP 196.3

It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength, and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up before him, to shut him out from God. But in his terrible extremity he remembered God’s promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day, when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacob’s thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory. It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication” (Hosea 12:4), pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.

PP 197.1

Jacob “had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” Hosea 12:4. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble

GC 617.1

“He had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” Hosea 12:4. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. As an evidence of his triumph and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed with God was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brother’s anger, for the Lord was his defense.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 39—“The Time of Trouble”

GC88 617.1

“He had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” [Hosea 12:4.] Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of Heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. As an evidence of his triumph, and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed with God was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brother’s anger; for the Lord was his defense.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 34—The Time of Trouble

4SP 434.1

“He had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” [Hosea 12:4.] Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of Heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. As an evidence of his triumph, and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed with God was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brother’s anger; for the Lord was his defense.

From Eternity Past

An Angel Wrestles With Jacob

EP 129.1

Jacob “had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” Hosea 12:4. This sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 2, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 30

All night Jacob wrestled with the Angel. Finally the strong wrestler was weakened by a touch on his thigh. He was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not lose his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication,” pleading for a blessing. [Hosea 12:4.] He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts to the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.

The Story of Redemption

Prevailing Faith

SR 96.2

“Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed. He wept, and made supplication unto Him: He found him in Bethel, and there He spake with us; even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial.” Hosea 12:4, 5.

With God at Dawn

The Repentance of Jacob, May 14

WGD 136.1

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial. Hosea 12:4, 5.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 63—“Thy King Cometh”

DA 579.2

Hosea will tell you, He is “the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial.” Hosea 12:5.

The Review and Herald

February 5, 1914

RH February 5, 1914, par. 5

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy,” Hosea pleaded; “break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12. “Turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” Hosea 12:6. “O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity: ... say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: ... for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.” Hosea 14:1-3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 33, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 8

This parable places before us a Christlike character in contrast with character of the unjust judge. Those who fear God and accept Christ as their personal Saviour will reveal a Christlike character. The character of God will speak through them, in vindication of righteousness. From this parable God would have us learn to respect the cause of the poor. “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment,” He declares, “but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s.” [Deuteronomy 1:17.] “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Master, but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.” [Proverbs 14:31.] This is the lesson we are to learn from the parable of the unjust judge. The presentation of a man as a judge, who feared not God neither regarded man, is an admonition to all who claim to be righteous. “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise.” [Psalm 12:5.] “Wherefore turn thou to thy God, and keep mercy, and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” [Hosea 12:6.]

The Review and Herald

January 29, 1914

RH January 29, 1914, par. 6

The Lord had rebuked Israel for their evil doing and had pleaded with them to mend their ways. “I have also spoken by the prophets,” he said, “and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.” Hosea 12:10. Through the prophet that appeared to Jeroboam before the altar at Bethel, through Elijah and Elisha, through Amos and Hosea, God had repeatedly set before Israel the sure result of disobedience. But notwithstanding reproof and entreaty, Israel sank lower and lower in apostasy. “Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer,” the Lord declared. Hosea 4:16. “My people are bent to backsliding from me.” Hosea 11:7.

Counsels for the Church

Preparing to Meet Christ

CCh 9.5

The work of the prophet includes much more than just making predictions. Moses, a prophet of God who wrote six books of the Bible, wrote very little about what was to come in the future. His work is described by Hosea in its broader sense, “By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.” Hosea 12:13.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Ellen G. White A Brief Biographical Sketch

1TT 17.3

The revelations given to her through her long life were in harmony with God’s appointed means declared to Israel: “If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6. In character her work was much like that of the leader of Israel of old, of whom it is recorded in (Hosea 12:13): “By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.”