12:1a–b
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
1a
Ephraim chases the wind
1b
and pursues the east wind all day long;
These lines are metaphors that compare the people of Israel to an animal that attempts to catch and eat wind for its food.
Here are some ways to translate these figures of speech:
• Use a metaphor. Make the similarity explicit if it will be helpful. For example:
Ephraim ⌊is a foolish calf that tries to ⌋ eat wind.
• Use a simile. Make the similarity or topic explicit if it will be helpful. For example:
Ephraim ⌊is like an animal that ⌋ feeds on wind ⌊instead of pasture grass ⌋.
-or-
Israel’s ⌊behavior is as useless as ⌋ feeding on wind.
• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:
The people of Israel try to achieve worthless goals.
12:1a
Ephraim chases the wind: There are two main interpretations of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as chases :
(1) The word means “feeds/graze.” It usually refers to an animal that grazes in a pasture. For example:
Ephraim feeds on the wind (English Standard Version)
(2) The word means “herd.” It usually refers to the herding of animals. For example:
Ephraim herds the wind (New Revised Standard Version)
(3) The word means “chase.” For example:
What Israel does is as useless as chasing the wind (New Century Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.
wind: In this context, the word wind is used figuratively to mean “a vain or empty thing.” The metaphor “feeds on the wind” means to strive after what is worthless, meaningless, or futile.
12:1b
pursues the east wind all day long: This metaphor means to do something that is useless and potentially harmful.
east wind: This phrase probably refers to the strong wind in Israel that blows from the eastern desert. It is a hot, dry, destructive wind. Here the phrase may imply the destruction that will result from the foolish behavior of Israel, described in 12:1c–e.
all day long: There are two interpretations of the connection of this phrase to the surrounding context:
(1) The phrase all day is part of the previous clause. It indicates that Ephraim pursues the east wind all day. For example:
Ephraim feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind all day long (English Standard Version)
(2) The phrase all day is part of the following clause. It indicates that Ephraim multiplies lies and violence all day. For example:
he daily increases lies and desolation (New King James Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.
The phrase all day long is an expression that means continually. Some versions translate it that way. For example:
Ephraim feeds on wind, and pursues the east wind continually. (New American Standard Bible)
12:1c
he multiplies lies and violence: The Hebrew word for multiplies means “make numerous.” It indicates that lying and violence continued to increase.
violence: In Hebrew, this word means “violent action.” In this context, it may refer particularly to social wrongs such as oppression and other evil behavior.
12:1d–e
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
1d
he makes a covenant with Assyria
1e and sends olive oil to Egypt.
These lines give examples of Israel’s attempts to gain favor with powerful nations. They are also examples of the kind of futile behavior that Hosea described as grazing on wind and pursuing the east wind. Here are some reasons this behavior was futile:
(a) It challenged Yahweh’s role as Israel’s one true savior.
(b) Israel’s covenant with Yahweh was exclusive. It did not allow them to make a covenant with Assyria.
(c) It was an act of disloyalty to God and of political foolishness.
(d) It gave a false sense of security.
12:1d
he makes a covenant with Assyria: This clause refers to a political alliance between Israel and Assyria. It may refer specifically to the promise of Israelite king Hoshea to make Israel a faithful subject of Assyria. See 2 Kings 17:3. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
they make a covenant with Assyria (English Standard Version)
-or-
they are making an alliance with Assyria (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
They make agreements with Assyria (New Century Version)
12:1e
and sends olive oil to Egypt: This clause probably refers to a gift that Israel sent to Egypt to gain their help or to make a treaty. This action was foolish and dangerous for Israel. It caused Assyria to interpret it as disloyalty to them and invited their anger.
olive oil: The Hebrew word is literally oil. It refers to olive oil. Olive oil was abundant in Israel. It was valuable in that region, especially in Egypt where olives were not grown. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
and send olive oil as tribute to Egypt (NET Bible)
-or-
while sending olive oil to buy support from Egypt (New Living Translation (2004))
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