“The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds He will recompense him. He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us– That is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name. So you, by the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.” (vv.2-6).
Here, God looked back at the patriarch Jacob and how Israel in Hosea’s day was just like their forefather Jacob in the days of Genesis. In ancient Israel, a “heel-catcher” was a double-dealer, someone who achieved their goals through crafty and dishonest means. Through Hosea, God said, “That was Jacob then and it is Israel now.”
The prophet recalls the struggle between Jacob and the Man of Genesis 32:24-30. Jacob refused to submit to God, so God demanded submission from him in a literal wrestling match. Jacob wrestled with the LORD God, who appeared in human form as a Man. Since this was a unique messenger from heaven, He is also appropriately described as an Angel of the LORD.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Hosea emphasized two more details from the Genesis 32:24-30 account. First, he told us that Jacob prevailed in the wrestling match. Second, he told us that Jacob wept in the struggle. Jacob came to the place where he knew God had beaten him, and all he could do was hang on to God and plead for a blessing. So you (speaks to Israel) saying, they should return to their God the same way.
This reflection reminds us that we can return to the LORD even when we are struggling against Him. And even in those moments when we are just hanging on, He is ready to bless us. Therefore, return to the LORD you wayward soul, stop swimming up stream, and go with His current of love and restoration.
The Truth: “Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Here, God looked back at the patriarch Jacob and how Israel in Hosea’s day was just like their forefather Jacob in the days of Genesis. In ancient Israel, a “heel-catcher” was a double-dealer, someone who achieved their goals through crafty and dishonest means. Through Hosea, God said, “That was Jacob then and it is Israel now.”
The prophet recalls the struggle between Jacob and the Man of Genesis 32:24-30. Jacob refused to submit to God, so God demanded submission from him in a literal wrestling match. Jacob wrestled with the LORD God, who appeared in human form as a Man. Since this was a unique messenger from heaven, He is also appropriately described as an Angel of the LORD.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Hosea emphasized two more details from the Genesis 32:24-30 account. First, he told us that Jacob prevailed in the wrestling match. Second, he told us that Jacob wept in the struggle. Jacob came to the place where he knew God had beaten him, and all he could do was hang on to God and plead for a blessing. So you (speaks to Israel) saying, they should return to their God the same way.
This reflection reminds us that we can return to the LORD even when we are struggling against Him. And even in those moments when we are just hanging on, He is ready to bless us. Therefore, return to the LORD you wayward soul, stop swimming up stream, and go with His current of love and restoration.
The Truth: “Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
