Definition: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 12:4. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a moment of intense emotional distress and a desperate plea for help by Hosea (a prophet) to God. It’s about a man named Bethel, who was experiencing a serious problem with his wife (likely referred to as “Hosea”). Here's a breakdown piece by piece: “Yea, he had power over the angel…” - This means Hosea possessed a significant amount of authority or strength. It wasn’t just a casual control; it was a powerful and potentially challenging situation. “…and prevailed:” – This is key! "Prevailed" means to overcome, to win. Hosea was successfully battling something. “He wept…” - This shows that he was feeling overwhelmed by his problem. It wasn’t a calm, rational moment; it was filled with sadness and pain. “…and made supplication unto him:” – This is a request for help or guidance from God. He was reaching out to God in desperation. “He found him [in] Bethel…” - "Bethel" was a small, rural settlement, a place of refuge and significance. The fact that he found him there suggests a specific location – a place of importance. “…and there he spake with us:” - This is the most important part! Hosea began to speak directly to God, as if sharing his troubles with Him. It’s like a conversation, a confession, and a plea for help. What it means – The Bigger Picture: This verse is about: Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Hosea's situation was a problem he needed to resolve. The act of seeking God’s help signifies his desire for reconciliation with his wife (and perhaps a whole relationship). Human Imperfection: It shows that humans are prone to suffering and need divine intervention. In short, it’s a story about a man struggling with a significant problem and turning to God for strength and guidance. Important Note: The meaning of the verse has been debated throughout history. Some translations focus heavily on the emotional intensity of Hosea's weeping, while others emphasize the spiritual significance of the encounter. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories? Discuss the symbolism behind it (like the "water" imagery)?