Charles Ellicott Commentary Hosea 12

East wind. — Compare Isaiah 27:8 and Job 27:21. On the latter passage Wetzstein remarks: "This wind is more frequent in winter and early spring, when, if it continues long, the tender vegetation is parched up, and a year of famine follows. Both man and beast feel sickly while it prevails." Hence, what is unpleasant and revolting in life is compared by people of the East to the east wind.

The idea expressed by the east wind here is the same as in Job 15:2, combining the notions of destructiveness and emptiness. The covenant with Assyria refers to the events of the reign of Hoshea. Covenants with Assyria, and presents to Egypt were to Hosea curses in disguise. (See Note on Hosea 7:11.)

Jacob refers to the northern kingdom.

Had power.— Should be, strove. Prayers and tears were the weapons used in the memorable struggle for pardon, reconciliation, and peace in the self-conquest as well as the God-conquest which was achieved. At Bethel He (Jehovah) found him (Jacob) not only once, but on repeated occasions (Genesis 28:11; Genesis 35:1), and in the subsequent history of the children of Israel.

Lord God of hosts.— See Cheyne’s Isaiah, vol. 1, pp. 11, 12, and Nowack’s commentary on this passage. Probably the hosts were the stars which were conceived of as celestial spirits standing upon or above Jehovah’s throne in Micaiah’s vision, on the right hand and on the left (1 Kings 22:19). These are to be identified, in all probability, with the sons of God (Genesis 6:2), described in Job 1:6 as presenting themselves in council before Jehovah. In Psalms 103:21 they are described as God’s ministers; also in Psalms 104:4, quoted in Hebrews 1:7.

His memorial— i.e., his name. (See Notes on Exodus 3:15; Exodus 6:3.) Jehovah— i.e., the self-existent One who nevertheless came into personal relations with Israel.

Therefore ...—More correctly, But do thou return to thy God. There is an implied contrast between the patriarch and his degenerate descendants in the days of Hosea.