Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. Ephraim surrounds Me with liesThe name "Ephraim" often represents the northern kingdom of Israel, named after one of Joseph's sons. In Hebrew, "Ephraim" can mean "fruitful," yet here it is used to denote a people who have become spiritually barren, surrounding God with "lies." The Hebrew word for "lies" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer) implies falsehood and deception, indicating a deep-seated betrayal of their covenant with God. Historically, this reflects the period when Israel engaged in idolatry and political alliances that were contrary to God's commands, thus surrounding Him with unfaithfulness. the house of Israel with deceit
The "house of Israel" refers collectively to the people of the northern kingdom. The term "deceit" (מִרְמָה, mirmah) in Hebrew suggests treachery and betrayal. This phrase underscores the pervasive nature of Israel's unfaithfulness, not just in their actions but in their very identity as God's chosen people. The historical context here is crucial, as Israel's deceit involved turning to foreign gods and relying on political subterfuge rather than trusting in the Lord. But Judah still walks with God
"Judah" represents the southern kingdom, which, at the time of Hosea's prophecy, had not yet fallen into the same level of apostasy as Israel. The phrase "walks with God" (הָלַךְ אֶת־אֱלֹהִים, halak et-Elohim) is a Hebrew idiom for living in obedience and fellowship with God. This suggests a contrast between Judah's relative faithfulness and Israel's deceit. Historically, Judah had kings like Hezekiah and Josiah who led reforms to return to the worship of Yahweh, reflecting a commitment to their covenantal relationship with God. and is faithful to the Holy One
The term "faithful" (נֶאֱמָן, ne'eman) conveys steadfastness and reliability. "The Holy One" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) is a title for God, emphasizing His purity and separateness from sin. This phrase highlights Judah's commitment to maintaining a relationship with God, who is utterly holy. In a broader scriptural context, this faithfulness is seen as a remnant of hope, pointing to the promise of redemption and restoration for those who remain true to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. EphraimRepresents the northern kingdom of Israel, often used synonymously with Israel in the prophetic books. Known for its idolatry and rebellion against God. 2. House of IsraelRefers to the collective tribes of the northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, and often criticized by prophets for their unfaithfulness. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom, which, at this point in Hosea, is noted for still having some semblance of faithfulness to God, though not without its own issues. 4. God (The Holy One)The central figure in the passage, highlighting His faithfulness in contrast to Israel's deceit. 5. HoseaThe prophet through whom God delivers this message, known for his messages of judgment and redemption. Teaching Points The Deceit of SinSin often involves deceit, both towards God and ourselves. We must be vigilant in examining our hearts for any lies we might be living. Faithfulness of GodDespite human unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. This should encourage us to return to Him in repentance and trust. Judah's ExampleWhile not perfect, Judah's relative faithfulness serves as a reminder that walking with God is possible even in a corrupt world. Call to RepentanceLike Israel, we are called to recognize our deceit and turn back to God, who is always ready to forgive. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Hosea remind us of God's truth and call us back to His ways. We should heed their messages in Scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the deceit of Ephraim and the house of Israel reflect in our own lives today? What steps can we take to address this deceit? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are walking with God like Judah, even when surrounded by a culture of unfaithfulness? 3. How does understanding God's faithfulness, as highlighted in this verse, impact our daily walk with Him? 4. What lessons can we learn from the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah about unity and faithfulness in the body of Christ today? 5. How can the messages of the prophets, like Hosea, guide us in our personal and communal spiritual journeys? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 3This chapter also contrasts the faithfulness of Judah with the unfaithfulness of Israel, showing God's call for repentance. Isaiah 7Discusses the political and spiritual state of Judah and Israel, providing context for the divided kingdoms. Psalm 78Reflects on the history of Israel's rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness, similar themes to Hosea 11:12. People HoseaPlaces Admah, Assyria, Egypt, ZeboiimTopics FALSE, Compasseth, Deceit, Encompassed, Encompasseth, Ephraim, E'phraim, Faithful, Falsehood, Feigning, Holy, Judah, Lies, Ones, Ruleth, Ruling, Saints, Strays, Surrounded, Surrounds, Towards, Truth, Unfaithful, Unruly, Walketh, Wayward, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 11:12 6146 deceit, and God Hosea 11:12-12:1 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Hosea 11:12-12:6 5201 accusation Library Heaven's Nurse Children
The next sweet word in the chapter is sonship; "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." We are, according to the inspired apostle, "predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." Ephesians 1:5. Adoption follows hard upon the heels of election, and is another messenger of good tidings. Innumerable blessings come to us by this door. "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
1. As it respects inspiration, and consequent infallible authority, the quotations of the New Testament stand on a level with the rest of the apostolic writings. The Saviour's promise was: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;" literally, "into all the truth," that is, as immediately explained, all the truth pertaining to the Redeemer's person and work. When, therefore, after the fulfilment of this promise, Peter and the other apostles expounded to their brethren …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 11:12 NIVHosea 11:12 NLTHosea 11:12 ESVHosea 11:12 NASBHosea 11:12 KJV
Hosea 11:12 Commentaries
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