Daily Devotions
Hosea
"He found Him in Bethel"
Text: Hosea 12:4c
ANOTHER MAJOR CRISIS
Jacob had twelve children. He had a daughter called Dinah. One day, Dinah was raped by a Hivite by the name of Shechem. Two of her brothers, Simeon and Levi plotted a horrifying plan to avenge their sister’s shame. They plotted and slew Shechem and his father Hamor and many others in their city. Jacob had to flee to save himself and his family from retaliation (Genesis 34).
“He found Him in Bethel,
And there He spoke to us-”
Hosea 12:4c, 4d
1. God’s merciful protection
a) God instructed Jacob to go to Bethel (Genesis 35:1).
b) Bethel was symbolic in a number of ways.
2. “He found Him in Bethel”
a) This is a reference to the first time Jacob met with God (Genesis 28).
i) Jacob was fleeing from Esau who wanted to kill him for cheating him twice.
ii) God gave to Jacob a vision of a ladder leading to heaven.
iii) There were angels ascending and descending.
b) Jacob knew then:
i) The reality of God.
ii) He found faith in God.
iii) He called the place “Bethel” (Genesis 28:19).
3. “And there He spoke to us”
a) The children of Israel were familiar with this story.
b) Hosea applied the story.
c) What God said to Jacob was applicable to Israel in the days of Hosea.
VITAL LESSONS FOR ISRAEL
The following words from the LORD to Jacob must be remembered:
1. “I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac” (Genesis 28:13).
2. “Behold, I am with you” (Genesis 28:15a).
3. “And will keep you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15b).
4. “I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (Genesis 28:15d).
IN THE CRISIS OF IMPENDING WAR
There was nothing more important than for Israel to return to God and seek His favour. Jacob had prevailed in strength. Israel must find new strength to seek God through prevailing prayer.