Hosea 12:6-11

The Prophet here follows up the just and becoming resolution which ought to take place in every heart of Jacob's children, whether Ephraim or Judah, in pursuing the steps of their father. And he goes on in those verses to show the great folly, as well as sin, in not doing it. What a sad thing must it have been, that in the very place made memorable to the Father by the visions of God, and therefore by him called Bethel, the house of God; the children should make it Beth-aven, which signifies the house of an idol or iniquity! But, Reader! do remark the grace of God in what is said. The Lord did not cease to be to them the Lord their God; God in covenant. The Lord did not withdraw from them the gracious tokens of his divine presence; neither the ministry of his holy word, or his servants the prophets. He still spake to them by an open prophecy, and by private visions; although Gilgal, which was the city of the priests, abounded in transgression. I venture to think that there is in those verses strong allusions to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Similitudes and visions all directed their leading points to Him, and in Him had their accomplishment. Revelation 19:10.