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Judah is not exempt from the corrections of the Lord. They too were involved in acts of disobedience, and in that manner displeased the Lord. They would receive punishment in comparison to their mode of action. They were not ignorant of the Law. They well knew it’s commands. Consequently they would be disciplined according to it’s precepts. The measure of their chastisement followed the depths of their iniquity. By wicked works they established their own measure of punishment. Hos. 12:2.
Jacob, in spite of being called the heel snatcher, the supplanter, he aggressively sought and rightly evaluated the blessing of the Lord. Esau placed little or no value on the birthright blessing and was perfectly willing to sell it for bread and a stew of lentils. Thus he despised his birthright. Gen. 25:29-34 Esau’s attitude and actions displayed his utter contempt and rejection as the progenitor of the spiritual race whom the Lord would bring into existence.
Jacob had a unique experience with the Lord until it was confessed that he, as a prince, had power with the Lord and with men, for Jacob had prevailed in a prayer/wrestling match with the Lord. Hos. 12:3 Jacob wept, he was tender hearted before the Lord and with string supplication sought the blessing of the Lord. He was persistent in searching after the promises of the Lord. Hos. 12:4 He did not steal or deceive Esau when receiving the birthright, he paid a legitimate price for it. The price that Esau was willing to give in order to receive of the goods of this world.
Jacob met the Lord in Bethel (the house of the Lord) and there when speaking to Jacob he spoke to the household of faith, even to those to whom Hosea was prophesying. He who was involved with Jacob is identified by His name. The LORD God, or Jehovah Elohim. The Lord of hosts, reigning over the hosts of heaven and earth. He is indeed the Supreme Being, yet Jacob was able to lay hold of Him and be blest by Him. This name is His memorial to all generations. Hos. 12:5 To Moses, He had introduced Himself as I AM, the eternal, ever existent, ever present, ever abiding one. He has always been. He has no beginning nor ending. From eternity, before creation, he was present as I AM. In time He remains, I AM and in the eternity to come, He will be the I AM. His memorial is eternal. Ex. 3:13-15.
A call to repentance, turn to the Lord. Restore mercy and love, live in justice and judgment. Most importantly, wait on the Lord, continually. Hos. 12:6 Those who spend time seeking the Lord find great good and many benefits. Lam. 3:25 The Lord delights in those who will spend time seeking Him.