I called my son out of Egypt. (Hos. 11:1b)
This is referring to Israel, but it is also applied to Jesus (Mt. 2:15). How could it refer to Him, since the next verse (11:2) refers to Israel’s rebellion? Perhaps it is because, as the atonement sacrifice, everything what He did was not only for His sake, but for ours. He didn’t only die in our place, He also lived in our place. He walked the same paths that Israel had walked, but He did it in faith and love. He didn’t live a perfect life only to show us how to live, but also to perfectly represent us before the Throne. Since we could not do it right, He did! Thank You, Jesus. There are so many hidden treasures in Your word. Help me to see them. Transform me as I gaze upon Your splendor.
Jacob fled to Aram and earned a wife by tending sheep. (12:12)
Did You not do the same, Jesus? You came and “earned a wife” by tending sheep. You, the Good Shepherd, took care of the sheep that were placed in Your care. And in the end, You will receive the bride for whom You have worked. Even as Jacob had to serve an extra term for Rachel, You are yet waiting for the fulfillment of Your desire. But You will receive what You have earned. You will receive a spotless bride!
Two interesting things: 1) the reference for that verse is 12:12. Is not 12 the number representing the church? (The bride?) And 2) the root of the word translated “Aram” means “castle, palace.” Is this not the root of all our fairy tales? Jesus truly is our knight in shining armor, coming to rescue His princess from her childhood castle of bondage.
Then the Lord led Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, out of Egypt by a prophet, who guided and protected them. But the people of Israel have bitterly provoked the Lord, so their Lord will now sentence them to death in payment for their sins. (12:13-14)
Yet another parallel. You were led out of Egypt, protected and guided by God. In contrast, You did not provoke the Lord, but pleased Him in every way. Yet the parallel resumes—You were sentenced to death—not in payment for Your sins, but in payment for mine.
