Hosea 12 covers some familiar ground for those who have read Genesis and Exodus. The prophet reviews a few historical highlights from the time of the patriarchs as evidence that God's people have always struggled with sin and rebellion.
Remember when Rebekah gave birth to the twins Jacob and Esau? God does. Jacob grew up to become Israel and the father of the Israelites. God reminds them of their history, "In the womb he tried to supplant his brother" (vs. 3). See Genesis 25:21-26 for the background on this statement.
"In his manhood he strove with God" (vs. 3). That again refers to Jacob, from an experience he had in Genesis 32:22-32. Jacob wrestled with the Lord at Peniel, and was given the name "Israel" meaning "the one who strives with God."
"Jacob fled to the land of Aram, there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he guarded sheep" (vs. 12). A wandering Aramean, Jacob/Israel worked as a shepherd for Laban for seven years in order to marry Laban's daughter Rachel. After Laban tricked him into marrying Leah instead, Jacob agreed to work for another seven years for Rachel. This story is recounted in Genesis 29:15-30.
The Lord warns Israel that the good times they are enjoying can swiftly be taken away from them. God remembers when they had nothing, and they will have nothing again, like they did as left Egypt in the exodus and celebrated the Passover for the first time. "I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again as in the days of the appointed festival" (vs. 9).
Hosea the prophet brings to mind Moses the prophet. "By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded" (vs. 13). God used Moses in a mighty way, to both deliver and guard His people. Moses was the mediator of the covenant at Sinai, yet Israel has rejected God's laws. They will pay a heavy price for their disobedience (vs. 14).
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