Hos 12:1 | JFB | STEP | 1. feedeth on wind — ( ). Followeth after vain objects, such as alliances with idolaters and their idols (compare ). east wind —the simoon, blowing from the desert east of Palestine, which not only does not benefit, but does injury. Israel follows not only things vain, but things pernicious (compare ). increaseth lies —accumulates lie upon lie, that is, impostures wherewith they deceive themselves, forsaking the truth of God. desolation — violent oppressions practised by Israel [MAURER ]. Acts which would prove the cause of Israel's own desolation [CALVIN ]. covenant with . . . Assyrians — ( ). oil . . . into Egypt —as a present from Israel to secure Egypt's alliance ( ; compare ). Palestine was famed for oil ( ).

Hosea 12:1

1. feedeth on wind— (Pr 15:14; Isa 44:20). Followeth after vain objects, such as alliances with idolaters and their idols (compare Ho 8:7).

east wind—the simoon, blowing from the desert east of Palestine, which not only does not benefit, but does injury. Israel follows not only things vain, but things pernicious (compare Job 15:2).

increaseth lies—accumulates lie upon lie, that is, impostures wherewith they deceive themselves, forsaking the truth of God.

desolation—violent oppressions practised by Israel [MAURER]. Acts which would prove the cause of Israel's own desolation [CALVIN].

covenant with . . . Assyrians— (Ho 5:13; 7:11).

oil . . . into Egypt—as a present from Israel to secure Egypt's alliance (Isa 30:6; 57:9; compare 2Ki 17:4). Palestine was famed for oil (Eze 27:17).