Hosea – Chapter 12

Old Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 12 of Hosea begins: "Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he hath made a…" Jacob stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he hath made a covenant with the Assyrians, and carried oil into Egypt.

2Therefore there is a judgment of the Lord with Juda, and a visitation for Jacob: he will render to him according to his ways, and according to his devices.

3In the womb he supplanted his brother: and by his strength he had success with an angel.

4And he prevailed over the angel, and was strengthened: he wept, and made supplication to him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us.

5Even the Lord God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial.

6Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and hope in thy God always.

7He is like Chanaan, there is a deceitful balance in his hand, he hath loved oppression.

8And Ephraim said: But yet I am become rich, I have found me an idol: all my labours shall not find me the iniquity that I have committed.

9And I that am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, will yet cause thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the feast.

10And I have spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and I have used similitudes by the ministry of the prophets.

11If Galaad be an idol, then in vain were they in Galgal offering sacrifices with bullocks: for their altars also are as heaps in the furrows of the field.

12Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and was a keeper for a wife.

13But the Lord by a prophet brought Israel out of Egypt: and he was preserved by a prophet.

14Ephraim hath provoked me to wrath with his bitterness, and his blood shall come upon him, and his Lord will render his reproach unto him.

Important Verses in Hosea 12

Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he hath made a covenant with the Assyrians, and carried oil into Egypt.

Hosea 12:1

Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and hope in thy God always.

Hosea 12:6

And I that am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, will yet cause thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the feast.

Hosea 12:9

Ephraim hath provoked me to wrath with his bitterness, and his blood shall come upon him, and his Lord will render his reproach unto him.

Hosea 12:14

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Hosea was written with the northern kingdom of Israel, called back from idolatry to covenant love in view. Chapter 12 of 14 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Jacob appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he…" The final verse reads: "Ephraim hath provoked me to wrath with his bitterness, and his blood shall come upon him, and his Lord will render his…" In terms of historical background, God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, an unfaithful wife, making his broken marriage a living parable of Israel's idolatry and God's wounded, unbreakable love. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About 750-722 BC, in the northern kingdom of Israel.

Who Wrote It

The prophet Hosea, son of Beeri

When It Was Written

About 750-722 BC, in the northern kingdom of Israel

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Hosea 12 presents a concrete episode in the history of God's faithful love despite Israel's unfaithfulness. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he hath made a covenant with the…" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Hosea 12 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Hosea's marriage symbolizes God's covenant love (CIC 1611). St. Bernard of Clairvaux and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2559).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Jacob2 mentions

Reflection for Today

In Hosea Chapter 12, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of God's faithful love despite Israel's unfaithfulness.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Hosea Chapter 12 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that God's love is steadfast and merciful.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of trust in providence amid uncertainty bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hosea Chapter 12 about?

Hosea 12 contains 14 verses. It opens with "Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he…" and closes with "Ephraim hath provoked me to wrath with his bitterness, and his blood shall come upon him, and his Lord will render his…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles with biographical narrative.

What is a key verse in Hosea 12?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth the burning heat: all the day long he multiplied lies and desolation: and he hath made a covenant with the Assyrians, and carried oil…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Hosea Chapter 12?

This chapter mentions Jacob.

Who wrote Hosea and when?

The prophet Hosea, son of Beeri. About 750-722 BC, in the northern kingdom of Israel.

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