12:1
The words about feeding on and chasing the wind refers to futile actions. Israel was a rudderless nation, she variously pursued treaties and agreements with Assyria and Egypt. We only have steadfastness when our trust is totally in the Lord. Israel’s attempt to forge relations with Egypt eventually drew the anger of Assyria and led to the Assyrian invasion.
12:2-6
While the northern kingdom of Israel is the prime target in Hosea, Judah does get periodic mentions, as here. Hosea then refers back to the origins of the nation and to incidents in Jacob’s life, including in the womb where he grabbed the heel of Esau, and then to his wrestling with God. Israel is being judged for her sin, for her deeds. Jacob was definitely no saint, yet in his duplicity he sought God and wrestled with the angel. So it seems that Hosea is urging Israel to seek God earnestly and continually, rather than running to this idol or that idol, and seeking help from this nation or that nation. Only the Lord could rescue her.
12:7,8
The use of dishonest scales is frowned upon in Proverbs as well as here. Carrying out business on an honest basis is very important, but some people will always seek to bend or break the rules in order to make some more money. They then think that they will not be discovered, that their sin will not be found out. Sin is very deceitful, deceiving us into thinking we will not be found out.
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