Hosea 12:7-9 – Be morally upright

In Hosea 12:7-9, Israel was compared to a dishonest merchant, a powerful metaphor that illustrates the nation’s moral decay. This merchant gained wealth by mistreating and exploiting the poor. Emulating the merchant the people of Israel had used their wealth to bribe judges and officials.

However, their bribe cannot sway the judgment of God. His verdict, absolute and unchangeable, will befall them. Their opulent cities and lavish homes will be razed, and the people of Israel will be forced to dwell in tents, reminiscent of their journey from Egypt to Canaan.

Like moral decay that guarantees divine judgment our bad and negative personal actions and decisions, will ensure undesirable consequences. Therefore, we must evaluate our every decision and action. Be sure to exercise integrity and fairness towards others, and being mindful of the consequences of the choices we make. 

Hosea 12:2-6 – Seek God and be transformed.

In Hosea 12:2-6, God’s deep concern for Judah is evident. It’s important to remember that both Judah and Israel originated from Jacob. Genesis 32 recorded an account of Jacob encountering God at Peniel, where Jacob was renamed Israel. Be mindful that God's concern was not just for Israel but also for Judah. After all, the two streams, Israel and Judah, descended from the same source, clearly indicating their value in God's eyes.  

God points to Jacob, a man who had taken on the characteristics of deceit from birth. He was a grabber even in his mother's womb. But a transformation occurred when he contended with and encountered God at Peniel. There, Jacob agonized and eagerly sought the Lord’s favor through tears and had a profound change.   

In verse 6, Hosea passionately pleads with the people who descended from Jacob to emulate the repented Jacob. He urges them to urgently turn from their sinful ways to God, emphasizing the immediate need for repentance. Only then, he assures them, will they receive the blessings they sought from God.  

From these verses, we see why we must seek genuine transformation. This can happen only as we encounter God. Just as Jacob earnestly sought God's favor and repented from our sinful ways, we must take the same route. We must seek God, align with His will, and be transformed. 

Hosea 11:2-12:1 – Why chase after the wind?

In Hosea 11:11, the prophet presents a clear message to the people of Israel. He reveals that Israel’s tradition has depicted them as people entangled in lies and deceit. Even Judah and her people were not exempt from this waywardness and unruliness toward God.

Hosea, in chapter 12, verse 1, reinforces his message. He shows that the people, in their misguided actions, formed unnecessary political alliances. Israel is likened to a person chasing the wind, a vivid metaphor for pursuing something unattainable. In essence, they were chasing a delusion. When a person chases the wind, he seeks something hopelessly unattainable.  In their pursuit, lies and violence were multiplied.   

Their futile efforts could be seen in their pursuit of a political alliance with Assyria and giving expensive gifts to Egypt to gain their support. These nations could not provide the protection and security Israel was seeking. In that sense, she was chasing after the wind.  

Staying focused on God and our faith in Him is essential. Many things may be appealing to the eyes but are truly unreliable. It is foolishness to pursue them to seek security. Our surest bet is in God. Trust Him alone, not on the fleeting promises of deception.

Hosea 11:8-11 – True love is tough.

While God finds it difficult to punish Israel, the nation He loves, He felt compelled to punish Israel for their evil and wrongdoing because He could not overlook sin. However, within his justice, there would be mercy.

God’s exceptional and unparalleled love for this nation has always been more powerful and enduring than anything experienced in human relationships. His people would indeed be expelled from their land; however, He would not eradicate them forever like he did Sodom, Gomorrah, and other cities.

Though God would use enemies to deal with Israel, He would defeat those whom He had used to deal with her. God would ultimately free his people from being held captive and bring them back to their back to their homeland.

God loves us as we are, but He loves us too much to allow us to stay the way we are.  The lesson from these verses is this: even when God chastises us, He will deal with it with mercy and hope. He deals with us not to destroy us but to align us so that we can fully appreciate and embrace His love. He desires to restore us, not to destroy us. 

Hosea 11:1-7 – Stay faithful and engaged with God.

God’s love for Israel is unwavering and enduring. It has existed since the beginning of her existence as a nation. Even in the early days when Israel was a young nation in Egypt, God’s love was already there, guiding her out of bondage. These historical examples of God’s love for Israel are a powerful reminder of their shared past. However, despite His steadfast love, they turned away.

God’s care for Israel did not waver even though she kept walking away from His love to pander to idolatry. However, this would be their undoing. Israel's refusal to return to God would lead them to the brink of another slavery, this time in Assyria. The consequences of turning away from God are grave, and this is a lesson that Israel had learned the hard way.

Just as Israel faced grave consequences for turning away from God, we, too, may face the same result when we turn away from God and the path of righteousness. Don't spurn God's love. Choose to stay steadfast, faithful, and engaged in our commitment to Him.

Hosea 10:11-15 – Seek the Lord and sow the right seeds

God likened Israel to a trained young ox, free to tread the corn and feast upon it. However, her rebellion had warranted a yoke, and Assyria became the instrument of this yoke. This shift from freedom to bondage would affect Israel and Judah, making the times ahead challenging.

To avert the impending judgment, God’s people were not just asked but required to diligently work at breaking up the neglected, hardened ground.  This task was not for the faint-hearted but a crucial step towards a hopeful future. The right seed, when sown, could bring about a transformation.

 

Israel is urged to sow righteousness. When nurtured and grown, this seed will bear the fruit of kindness. Therefore, Hosea implored the people to seize the opportunity to seek the Lord. They should actively pursue God’s righteousness until it breaks forth and is experienced in their lives, transforming their actions.

 

All along, Israel had been sowing evil and reaping what it had sown. Social injustices were prevalent as they partake in the fruit of their deceits. They deluded themselves, relied on their ingenuity, and leaned on foreign powers to deliver them. Inadvertently, those foreign forces would destroy them.

 

Our decisions and actions have consequences. Israel’s rebellion led them to be yoked by Assyria, and their neglect of righteousness led to sowing evil and reaping the negative consequences. From their experience, we learn that the choices we make matter. We must make up our minds and set the time to seek God.  We must sow righteousness to reap kindness, leading to an excellent future in Him.

 

Hosea 10:1-10 – Don’t be ensnared by the blessings in life.

As one’s successes or breakthroughs increase, there’s a risk of complacency and neglect of spiritual disciplines and relationships with God. This was the case with the people of Israel. Their prosperity led to a surge in idolatry and worship of Baal.

Inadvertently, they were paving the way for judgment. Their faith waned, and they were burdened with guilt. The Lord would be dismantling their religious altars and paraphernalia.  

With arrogance, they brazenly ignored God declaring, “We have no king, for we do not revere the Lord. As for the king, what can he do for us?” This attitude had sealed their fate. All, including their king and the golden calf they worshipped, would be seized and taken to Assyria. Their land would be reduced to a wasteland, and the altars of Baal would be overrun with weeds. 

Since the day of Gibeah, their sins have persisted. What transpired at Gibeah? It was a dark day in the tribe of Benjamin, marked by the infamous rape and murder of the Levite’s concubine, and the ensuing chaos that engulfed the region (Judges 19-21).

From these verses, we sense a call to guard our relationship with God diligently. Success can cause us to neglect our walk with God and take Him for granted.  Like Hosea’s audience, our successes can cause us to be so caught up in our “idolatry” such as our careers, earthly relationships, material possessions, and neglect of our faith.

We must be mindful to stay grounded in our devotion and maintain a close relationship with God, regardless of our circumstances. Never let our spiritual well-being be contingent on our material successes. Be sure to always prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with God.

Hosea 9:15-17 – The consequence of being unfaithful.

Gilgal was where the children of Israel were circumcised, a sign of rededication, after they crossed the Jordan into the promised land. It was a place of worship, where sacrifices were made, and where Saul was publicly crowned king.

Unfortunately, Hosea 9:15 suggests that it had become a place of evil, a place where the people of Israel were engaging in Baal worship. In worshipping Baal, the people of Israel had betrayed their covenant with God. Gilgal mirrored Baal-Peor, where Israel, the covenant people, had also indulged in the worship of Baal.

Because of their rebellion, God would drive them from the land and withdraw His love. The leadership had turned away, and no one could guide them back to God. They would face a desolate existence, marked by barrenness and fruitlessness. Even the few who managed to conceive would suffer the heartbreak of premature death in their mothers’ wombs.      

Since they would not listen to God, and just as they have rejected Him, He would reject them. They would be wandering fugitives, homeless and aimless among the nations without hope, devoid of the divine love that had sustained them.  Its absence would leave them vulnerable and lost.

Faithfulness to God can never be over-emphasized. It is important to nurture faithfulness in our relationship with God. What had become of Gilgal serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in idolatry. We must stay true to God, even in challenging times.

 

Hosea 9:10-14 - The tragic downfall of an unguarded life. .

Hosea 9:10-14 vividly illustrates the contrast between Israel’s initial state of God-pleasing purity, when they joyfully entered into a covenant with the Lord, and their subsequent degeneration. Their initial delight in God was soon overshadowed by a waning enthusiasm, leading them into the depths of idolatry.

As the wilderness wanderings neared their end, Israel was not just tempted but lured into the abyss of idolatry. This was not a mere deviation, but a complete immersion, with the people failing to extricate themselves from this false worship. They embraced the shame of Baal worship, becoming like the very idol they venerated, leading them into abomination.  

In verses 11-14, Hosea paints a bleak picture of the consequences that Israel would face in the impending judgment. The once fruitful Ephraim would be struck with barrenness, experiencing ‘No birth, no pregnancy, and no conception.’ Their indulgence in the fertility cult of Baal would prove to be their undoing, a fatal mistake.

Secondly, they would be bereaved of remaining grown children. They would be depleted through war, famine, and exile.  And since these calamities would occur, Hosea asked God to affirm their experience of unfruitful conception and birth.    

 

There is a need to guard our hearts and devotion to God. Not doing so can cause a gradual decline in our spiritual condition. If we aren’t watchful in our spiritual journey, we may unwittingly pander to idolatry. When that happens, our initial joy and commitment to God will diminish.  Let’s stay vigilant and close to God and not allow worldly distractions to overshadow our faith. 

Hosea 9:7-9 - The need to acknowledge reality.

The Prophet Hosea delivers a harsh message to Israel in the first three verses of Hosea 9. Despite their indulgence in harlotry on the threshing floor, a form of worship to Baal, the anticipated harvest they eagerly awaited would fail. This was not just a mere prediction, but a warning of the dire consequences of their actions. 

In the following three verses, Hosea prophesies their exile and the deprivation of the feasts and festivals in a foreign land, painting a grim picture of their future. Meanwhile, the homeland would be neglected, becoming a wasteland of weeds and thistles, a visual representation of the devastation that awaited them.  

In verses 7-9, Hosea declares that the time for divine visitation upon Israel’s sin has arrived. This is not just a threat but a reality that Israel will experience. Their disregard for Hosea’s warning leads to dire consequences, underlining the gravity of the situation.  

 

When Hosea spoke against their gross sinful indulgence, the people reacted with disbelief and denial. They refused to acknowledge the reality of their deplorable condition, branding Hosea as a mad and demented fool. This reaction provides insight into their mindset, as they were so blinded by their sin that they could only see him as a radical exaggerator. This illustrates the human tendency to reject uncomfortable truths.

 

Verse 8 presents a challenge in interpretation. The English Standard Version translates this verse as follows: ‘The prophet is the watchman of Ephraim with my God, yet a fowler's snare is on all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.’ This suggests that Hosea saw himself in a different light than how the people perceived him.

 

In his self-perception, Hosea saw himself not just as a prophet but as God's watchman; his task was to warn Israel of the impending hostilities. His role was crucial, as it was through his warnings that Israel could potentially avoid destruction. In verse 9, he draws a parallel between Israel's current depravity and the days of Gibeah (recorded in Judges 19-21), a severe reminder of the consequences of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. 

   

The lesson: we need to heed God’s warnings and acknowledge uncomfortable truths. Refusal to accept reality and God’s warnings can lead to one’s downfall. We must be eager to take proactive steps to make necessary changes to avoid disastrous consequences.

Hosea 9:1-6 – Consequence of neglect

In Hosea 9, the prophet vividly portrays Israel’s deliberate and unyielding transgression against the Lord, a path that would lead them astray. They believed Baal brought prosperity, so they turned away from the Lord, engaging in harlotry on the threshing floor.

God’s warning was unequivocal: indulgence with Baal would not yield the anticipated harvest. Instead, they would find themselves rejoicing at a failing harvest, a bitter irony. Their time in the land was limited, as they would soon be thrust back into the bondage of Egypt and sent to Assyria to consume unclean food, a harsh consequence of their actions.  

In captivity, their lives would be hampered. There would be no public altar to offer their new wine to the Lord. Besides, the Lord would not receive their uncleaned, worthless, self-serving offerings.  

Even though they wanted to celebrate the Lord’s appointed feasts and festivals, they wouldn't be able to. For they would be sent into bondage and exiled, and their land back home would be neglected and become a wasteland of weeds and thistles.

 

Our actions have far-reaching consequences. Straying from our commitment has an undesirable and telling result, so stay faithful! 

Hosea 8:8-14 – Never forget whose we are

Judgment on Israel had been declared and was imminent. The compelling reasons why they must face serious consequences are seen in Hosea 8:8-14.

In verses 8-10, Hosea vividly describes Israel as a wild donkey fleeing from God to Assyria, losing its vital essence and becoming a broken vessel through needless alliances. The consequences are dire, as she will face judgment and suffer under the heavy tribute imposed by the powerful Assyrian king.

Verses 11-13 show Israel’s defiance and disobedience, which manifested in the construction of altars for sinful practices, the disregard of God’s law, and the offering of sacrifices driven by self-indulgence rather than a desire for communion with God. The consequence of this disobedience is clear: God’s judgment would befall them, and they would be bound as they were in the days of Egypt.

Verse 14 reveals the extent of Israel and Judah’s forgetfulness of their Maker, leading to the proliferation of idol altars and fortified cities. God's judgment was not a mere reprimand but a consuming fire that would obliterate Israel’s temples and Judah’s fortified cities.

Remaining faithful and obedient to God is important. Doing otherwise would invite serious consequences. We must prioritize our relationship with God, seek genuine communion with Him, and refrain from indulging in self-serving actions.

Hosea 8:1-6 – Don’t presume on God

In Hosea 8:1-6, we have a description of God’s scheduled judgment on Israel. They had presumed too much on God. Not only did they break their covenant with Him, but they also sinned against the law. Their enemy, symbolized by the eagle, referring to Assyria, would be summoned to punish them.

Israel had presumed their relationship with God, saying, “My God, we of Israel know You!” But those words were only hollow and lacking substance. They had rejected God’s kind gestures and would be pursued by the enemy.

The kings they put on the throne were not appointed by God. They ascended through conspiracy and assassination, betraying and murdering to gain access to power.

One of the key lessons we can learn from the passage in Hosea 8:1-6 is the danger of presumption and taking our relationship with God for granted. Israel’s mistake was in presuming too much on God, believing that they knew Him and thus could act in any way they pleased. Unwittingly, they had disregarded their covenant with God and strayed from His laws. This resulted in them facing the consequences of their actions.

The lesson for us here is to never take our relationship with God for granted. We should always remember the importance of honoring our commitments made to Him. We should seek to deepen our understanding of Him to grow the faith we have in Him.

 

Hosea 7:8-16 – Trusting God alone

Hosea 7:8-16 describes Israel as resembling a poorly made cake that is burnt on one side and uncooked on the other. The people of Israel have relied too much on other nations and too little on God, which has resulted in their ruin. They have sought help from Egypt and Assyria, oblivious to the fact that God has allowed this as their punishment.

Despite their predicament, the people have refused to acknowledge their mistakes and return to God. They have continued to make alliances with other nations, which God sees as rebellion. These alliances will not save them, but instead lead to their destruction.

Acting like Baal’s worshippers, the people of Israel wail, dance, and harm themselves in hopes of good harvests. Despite God being the one who trained and strengthened them, they have treacherously turned against him. Their defiance renders them as ineffective to God as an unreliable bow is to an archer. Their rebellion will inevitably lead to punishment and disgrace.

The wise rely on God rather than putting their trust in worldly powers. Making alliances or seeking help from others at the expense of disobeying God’s words is not the solution. We should seek His wisdom and follow His ways. We must stay faithful to God, not doing so will only lead to undesirable consequences.

Hosea 7:3-7 – Be discerning but act with integrity.

In 2 Kings 15, there are accounts of intrigues, plots, conspiracies, and assassinations after the death of Jeroboam II. The individual who had murdered the previous king and ascended to the throne was still not safe from others who coveted the throne.

Referencing the situation in 2 Kings 15, Hosea 7:3-7 likened the situation to a baker who keeps the fire low in his oven until the dough is ready to be put in. Only then the heat would be increased.

 

Similarly, these men would patiently wait for the right time to carry out their evil plot to murder the person on the throne. They would be plotting and scheming bidding the right time. They would pretend to befriend the victim, feast with him, get him drunk, and then commit the murder.

 

One lesson we can draw from these verses concerns being discerning. We must be vigilant and discerning in our relationships and avoid being drawn into deceitful schemes. 

They also speak to the importance of integrity and the consequences of seeking to gain power through malicious means. This is a call to be cautious of those who seek to manipulate or deceive us. Meanwhile, we must seek to act with honesty and integrity in all of our dealings.

Hosea 6:7 – 7:2 – Taking actions to align with God’s will

Hosea 6:7-10 portrays the consequences of the people’s actions, where both priests and ordinary citizens are involved in treachery, robbery, and murder. Hosea identifies specific locations where these wrongdoings are taking place. He boldly states that the people, their religious ceremonies, and their sacrifices are utterly repugnant to God, revealing the severity of their sins and the urgent need for repentance.

In Hosea 6:11-7:2, it is revealed that despite God’s desire to bless his people, they are hindering these blessings by refusing to repent. God’s love and patience are underscored as he continues to desire blessings for his people, even in the face of their persistent sins. Instead of turning away from their deceitful, thieving, and violent ways, they persist in these sinful behaviors, thereby obstructing the flow of God’s blessings.

It is important that we actively self-reflect to align our lives and conduct with God’s will. We must take time to scrutinize our behaviors and choices, striving to act honestly, and fairly. We must identify any sinful conduct, repent, and actively seek to align our lives with God’s will. If necessary, we must repent and turn away from deceitful ways. Be assured that forgiveness is always available to a contrite heart.

Hosea 6:1-6 – True relationship with God demands sincerity.

In Hosea 6:1-6, the people of God have a change of heart. They made up their minds to return to the Lord. All they wanted was appeasement and a quick response from God to secure their future. They were aware that repentance and confession were needed, so they goaded each other, saying:

“Come, let us return to the Lord.

For He has torn us, but He will heal us;

He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.

“He will revive us after two days;

He will raise us on the third day,

That we may live before Him.

“So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.

His going forth is as certain as the dawn;

And He will come to us like the rain,

Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

 

Regrettably, verse 4 reveals that though seemingly good, their intention lacked the crucial element of sincerity. God, in His omniscience, saw through their facade. To Him, their words were empty, devoid of a true change of heart. He perceived no loyalty in their actions. Israel and Judah’s commitment to the covenant was as fleeting as passing clouds and early dew that evaporates swiftly.

  

It is the absence of love and a genuine desire to know Him that renders all their sacrifices meaningless to God. In the absence of these vital elements, their actions were mere bravado, futile and empty.  Their hypocritical religious practices could not save these rebellious people or shield them from God’s impending judgment.   

 

Our actions and intentions should be driven by sincerity and genuine love for God. Merely going through the motions or making empty promises will not lead to a meaningful relationship with Him. We should strive to have a sincere desire to know God and to follow His ways. 

 

In our daily lives, we must constantly evaluate our intentions and actions. When we are not approaching God sincerely, we will be merely going through the motions. Let's strive to cultivate genuine love and loyalty towards God, and let our actions reflect our sincere desire to know Him and follow His will.

 

Hosea 5:13-15 – Repentance is key in dealing with flaws.

 The history of Israel and Judah shows that they both had turned to Assyria for their problem. King Hoshea of Israel, in 2 Kings 17:3, appeased King Shalmaneser of Assyria by paying tribute. Judah, on the other hand, had sought the help of Assyria to deal with the allied forces of Israel and Syria.  

Thus, God’s initial judgment in Hosea 5:12 was not solely for Israel but also for Judah. He declared, “Therefore I am like a moth to Ephraim (Israel), And like rottenness to the house of Judah.” For Israel, the Assyrians would be like a moth, relentlessly tearing and destroying a garment. And for Judah, the Assyrian’s assistance was akin to rotting flesh. Verse 13 starkly reveals that despite seeking Assyria’s aid, it was all in vain, highlighting the futility of their actions.

The second declaration of judgment on Israel and Judah found in verse 14 would be the attack of lions with none to deliver. Like a lion tearing at its victim, God would attack Israel. And Judah would not be spared, too. God, like a young lion, would also tear her up.   

Finally, in verse 15, God declared that He would depart from them, but not permanently. For them to find him again, they would need to acknowledge and repent of their sins and renew their commitment to seek Him.   

 

The call for us in these verses is to trust in God’s sovereignty and seek Him first in all circumstances, rather than leaning solely on human wisdom and strength. When confronted with challenges, we should trust God and sincerely repent for failing. Then earnestly seek His guidance and rely on His unfailing love and mercy. The experience of Israel and Judah’s history urges us to depend on God alone and to live in obedience to His will.

Hosea 5:8-12 – Honoring God in all we do.

Isaiah 7:1-9 reveals that Assyria under Tiglath-Pileser III was a dominant force during the reign of King Pekah of Israel. Assyria went bullying the smaller surrounding nations. King Pekah then allied himself with King Rezin of Syria to deal with Assyria. They sought out King Ahaz of Judah to help them deal with menacing Assyria. But Ahaz refused to join them.

As the story unfolds, 2 Kings 16:5-9 recounts how Pekah and Rezin united to attack Ahaz and Judah. In a fateful move, Ahaz disregarded Isaiah’s counsel and turned to Assyria for aid. This decision, however, had dire consequences for Judah. Unwittingly, she had placed herself under the dominion of Assyria, a power she should have been wary of.    

In Hosea 5:8-12, the Prophet’s vision revealed Israel’s preparations for battle and the inevitable outcome of her actions.  Verse 9 starkly predicts her defeat and devastation. The Prophet also had a message for Judah in verse 10, a warning perhaps, as this was the time when Judah, against Isaiah’s counsel, sought the aid of Assyria to confront King Pekah and claim some of Israel’s territories.

Israel was judged and condemned for their spiritual and moral decay. Judah would also be considered because she went against God’s counsel given through the Prophet Isaiah. Both Israel and Judah had not honored God. Israel’s judgment would be like a moth eating and tearing holes in a garment, and Judah’s judgment would be like untreated rotting flesh.  

The lesson for us concerns the consequences of seeking alliances for protection instead of trusting in God. We see the detrimental effects of disregarding wise counsel and turning to worldly powers for help. The account highlights the danger of moral decay and disobedience to God’s guidance. We must trust in God’s guidance, align with His will, and remain steadfast in our commitment to living a life that honors Him.             

 

 

Hosea 5:1-7 – A divine call to attention

God underscored the weight of the collective guilt of Israel, from the priest and people to the leader of Israel. All had fallen into corruption and were undeniably culpable and equally responsible for the failure.   

In Hosea 5:1, three imperatives were issued, demanding their attention to this shared guilt. To help them truly comprehend the weight of their guilt, God called on them to ‘hear, give heed, and listen.’ 

The charges applied to all of Israel. They were all snared by their spiritual prostitution and had become slaves to false religion. Trapped in Mizpah and Mount Tabor, false religious centers, all of them engaged in Baalism. So deeply rooted in their depravity, these rebels were assured of punishment.

God’s charges were not arbitrary but based on His comprehensive knowledge of these people. Laid bare before Him were their motives, attitudes, and actions. He scrutinized them all. Their personal, family, or national sins could not escape God’s omniscient gaze.

Bound by their idolatry, they found themselves unable to break free and return to God. They would seek God and offer sacrifices but not see Him because He had withdrawn from them. They had acted treacherously and had become children of prostitution and no longer recognized His children. They had indeed crossed the tolerable threshold and had to face His judgment and experience devastation in their land.  

 

To avoid the sin that the people in Hosea’s day had committed, we must stay grounded in godly principles and beliefs. Regular self-reflection and self-awareness can help us to recognize when stray from the right path. Meanwhile, we must prioritize God, and nurture integrity, empathy, and understanding to avoid pitfalls.    

 

Hosea 4:15-19 – Following and being godly models

In Hosea 4:15-19, the prophet's words were sent as a warning to Judah. Israel had become hopelessly entrenched in harlotry and idolatry. Based on Israel's judgment, Judah was appropriately warned. The message is clear: Judah could prevent the same outcome by avoiding the misdeeds of Israel.

Unlike Israel, Judah was not yet gripped by Baal's worship and had not turned away from God.  Israel's judgment would be a very timely warning. In verses 15-19, Hosea identifies four downright sins of Israel that Judah should avoid. 

Firstly, the people of Judah were sternly advised to steer clear of Gilgal or Beth-aven. During Samuel's time, these were revered religious centers that he would frequently visit in his circuit (1 Samuel 7:16).  However, over time, Gilgal had transformed into a notorious cult center, and Bethel had degenerated into Beth-aven, a den of idols, wickedness, and trouble. These places, once sacred, had now become a trap for the faithful. Hosea, therefore, urged the people to avoid these places at all costs.   

Secondly, they were warned about swearing falsely. It's insulting to God that the people should use the statement 'As the Lord lives' to make their oaths in these cultic centers before idols. The people of Judah were warned not to do it.  

Thirdly, verse 16 warns the people of Judah of being stubborn like Israel in the north. The latter had become like a bull that refused to yield to its owner. Ephraim is another name for Israel, who had joined to the hip with idolatry.  God would let her go in her uncontrollable wildness.

Fourthly, Israel had excessively engaged in liquor and harlotry. The leaders, instead of warning the people, were themselves wrapped up in the shameful sexual immorality.  They would end up in shame.

Hosea 4:15-19 shows us who we model after in life is important. We will have a godly life if we choose the right model or a depraved life when we have a bad one. Hence choosing who to emulate is critical. Choose your model carefully.  More importantly, we must be the right model for people who look up to us.

 

 

Hosea 4:11-14 – Staying connected with God

Hosea 4:11-14 elaborates on the impact the lack of knowledge of God had on the people of Israel. It is seen in their downright display of deterioration. Their wanton indulgence in harlotry and wine dulled their senses and made them insensitive to their sinful behaviors.

Widespread religious practices of the worst kind were being practiced all over the land. The people would consult their idols of wood and paraphernalia for guidance and counsel.

Harlotry was rampant, leading to their departure from God. They multiplied their sacrifices and burned incense to pagan gods everywhere: on mountaintops, hills, and under every sacred tree dedicated to Baal in high places.  

More deplorable was the young women prostituted themselves; even married women would commit adultery. But God blames the men. For in their wild, immorality with temple prostitutes had caused the women to become prostitutes.

Hosea 4:11-14 warns us of the dangers of straying from a genuine knowledge of God. Like the people of Israel, turning away from God will lead us into a state of moral and spiritual decay. These verses emphasize the importance of maintaining a genuine relationship with God. We must prioritize and cultivate a deep understanding of God and His principles. It will help us to make decisions and discern right from wrong.

Meanwhile, we must be aware of the potential sources of distraction and temptation in our lives and strive to maintain our spiritual integrity and stay aligned with God’s will. This is a call to stay connected and intact to our faith in God, discern the influences around us, and strive for a life that reflects our commitment to God and His teachings.

Hosea 4:4-10 – Provide sound leadership

In the first three verses of chapter 4, God, through Hosea, accuses the people of Israel of three things. They lack faithfulness, love, and knowledge of God. In verses 4-10, God put the blame squarely on the priesthood. The priests are primarily responsible for the widespread of Israel's national corruption.

How so? They did not teach the law rightly. The nation’s deplorable condition attests to the priests' failure. They did not teach the law of God appropriately, leading to ignorance of God or His ways. This lack of knowledge has caused the people to be wayward, thus destroying them. Since they had forgotten God and His law, He would, in return, reject them as His priests.

The priests are entitled to receive the meat of the sin offering. Driven by their greed, they would encourage the people to make more offerings, not for the sake of their spiritual growth, but for their own profit. The more they offer, the more meat they would get.  Yet unwittingly, the more the people would offer, the more they would multiply their sins.

The priests, as guilty as the people, if not more, had all but stopped heeding the instructions of the Lord. Their waywardness, driven by their own desires, would never satisfy their needs.  Instead of satisfaction, they would receive disappointment, a consequence of their own actions.

 

Hosea 4:4-10 reminds us of the responsibility and accountability that come with our roles as spiritual leaders. It emphasizes the importance of responsibly guiding and shepherding others. Leaders must diligently teach and uphold the principles of God and not be driven by greed or personal gain. What leaders do will impact their own well-being as well as those whom they are leading!   

 

 

Hosea 4:1-3 – The result of not living for God

In the second part of the Book of Hosea, the focus shifts from Hosea’s personal life to directly addressing Israel’s condition. This section contains several short messages that Hosea delivered over the years, in which God leveled a series of charges against Israel.

In the first three verses of Hosea 4, God highlights the deplorable state of the people of Israel. He first points out what they lack, how they behave, and what awaits them. They lack faithfulness, love, and knowledge of God. Lacking faithfulness they showed no integrity. In lacking love, they have no compassion. And their lack of knowledge of God shows that they do not know God or are not accustomed to His commands.

 

A life without integrity, compassion, or knowledge of God would result in unrestrained actions. They would swear, lie, murder, steal, and commit adultery. Consequently, the entire land and population would suffer, with all aspects of life, from nature to physical well-being, and from men to beasts, succumbing to the effects of their unrestrained sin.

 

We must strive to cultivate faithfulness, love, and a deep understanding of God and His teachings in our daily actions. These will guide us to make morally upright decisions and treat others with kindness and compassion. By doing so, we can contribute to a more harmonious and just society while avoiding the negative repercussions associated with unrestrained behavior.

Hosea 3:3-5 – True love disciplines to mature us.

Hosea 3:3-5 says that Gomer would undergo a period of discipline.  She would live with Hosea as a slave to wean her off her harlotry and wayward life. Similarly, God’s love for Israel would not allow Him to leave her in that condition. Much like Gomer, God would put her through a time of testing and proving.

Israel’s journey from a state of wayward worship to a genuine seeker of God is an intense transformation. She had to live in a foreign land without her own kings and government, where she would be weaned from the degrading, wayward worship of pagan gods. This was necessary for her to respond to God’s love and overtures, thus, seeking Him willingly and becoming genuinely His. This transformation is the ultimate purpose of God’s love and discipline.     

 

God loves us just as we are, but He also loves us far too much to leave us the way we are. Through Christ, He has saved us and now sets out to make us more like Christ. Our transformation is what God is after. Hebrews 12:6 explicitly tells us, “For  those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.”

 

Here’s what Hebrews 12:10-11 tells us about God’s discipline. “…He disciplines us for our good so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment does not seem joyful, but sorrowful; yet, to those trained by it, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

Hosea 3:2 – True love is costly.

At the instruction of God, Hosea went out to redeem Gomer. After she had prostituted herself, spent and used, she was sold into the slave market.  Hosea went there and repurchased her. That was what happened to Israel. She had prostituted herself to Baal. Yet in His redeeming love, God pursued and is still pursuing her.  

True love comes at a cost. The price of a slave was at least 30 shekels of silver. In a testament to his commitment, Hosea paid the full price, 15 shekels of silver, and the other half in kind - ‘a homer and a half of barley.’ Interestingly, fifteen shekels of silver would amount to six months’ wages for an average person. Hosea paid the full price, sparing no expense, to redeem Gomer. 

 

Through the story of Hosea, God revealed the nature of His love for Israel. It is a love that is unwavering, steadfast, and unchanging. It is a love that is filled with mercy, compassion, and kindness. God’s love for His people is not based on their actions but on His own nature. He loves them not ‘because of’ but ‘in spite of.’

 

The New Testament explains this in several ways: “God so loved that… He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” It also says, “God commended His love towards us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.”

In the Prophet Hosea, we witness God’s redeeming love. Just like Israel, we all had a debt that we couldn’t pay, but God has paid a debt, our debt that He didn’t owe. It’s difficult to comprehend the amazing depth of God’s love for us. In light of His love, anything less than a wholehearted commitment to Him is an inadequate response.

Hosea 3:1 – Emulate God’s faithfulness

The life of Hosea and Gomer his wife is a story of God’s unwavering love for Israel. God gave Hosea the daunting challenge of marrying Gomer. His objective was to send a message to unfaithful Israel.  

Hosea represents God and His faithfulness. On the other hand, Gomer is a type of unfaithful Israel. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God pursues her in love. In her unfaithfulness, like Gomer, Israel engages in harlotry ending up being sold into slavery. Yet God would not give up.   

Hosea 3 returns to tell how, like Gomer, Israel by now had been used, spent, and sold into slavery. In verse 1, God instructed Hosea to go to the slavery market to redeem Gomer. Like Gomer, Israel’s path was also paved with unfaithfulness. Deplorable as she was, God would never give up on His love for her and His faithfulness toward her and her children born out of unfaithfulness.  

The lesson from this verse is the enduring nature of God’s love and faithfulness. Regardless of our unfaithfulness or mistakes, God’s love and pursuit of us never wavers. We must strive to emulate this kind of unwavering love and faithfulness in our relationship with God. Even in trying circumstances, we must seek to stay faithful to God.  

 

 

 

 

Hosea 2:19-23 – To know and love God

God’s promise to Israel is not mere words, but a profound testament to His love and faithfulness.  He pledged an unbreakable bond, a relationship founded on His righteousness, justice, mercy, and compassion.  This covenant would enable Israel to truly know and understand her Lord, her betrothed, in all His glory.

Israel would be blessed as God responds to all her needs. He would give her the blessing from nature that she so desired. The curses that resulted from her unfaithfulness would be reversed, bringing favorable agricultural conditions to the land. Jezreel, where she was defeated, would once again experience ‘grain’ and ‘new wine.’  She would genuinely be Jezreel, meaning ‘sown of God.’

God’s compassion would replace the harsh prediction declared through Lo-rahuman, ‘no longer pitied.’ The once alienated Israel would now be embraced as God’s people, and no longer ‘Lo-ammi.’ This transformation would inspire her to boldly declare, ‘You are my God!’

These verses look forward to the New Covenant, where the relationship would be restored. Righteousness, justice, mercy, and compassion would be the character. God’s eternal love is an unchanging truth. It lays at the root of His wrath. He would not go through such a great length to woo us back to Himself if He did not love us.  This is seen clearly at Calvary. We must seek to know the depth of His love and love Him in return, freeing from an awakened heart.

Hosea 2:16-18 – Be committed to God.

In the reconciliation, Israel would renew her relationship and commitment to God. She would acknowledge that God is her ‘Ishi,’ meaning ‘my husband.’ She would no longer recognize Baal, a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and rain, as ‘my owner or lord.’ This shift in recognition is significant, as it marks a turning point in Israel’s allegiance, beliefs, and practices.

Israel’s renewed commitment to God would bring clarity that would cause her to forget the names of her former ‘lovers.’  She would no longer be confused or uncertain about her marital status. The gods associated with Baalism would be completely removed from her usual language when referring to the Lord, leaving no room for doubt or confusion.

With the relationship reconciled and restored, Israel would be enveloped in a blanket of divine protection. They would dwell in a state of unshakeable security. Any harm from nature, the world, or people would be swiftly thwarted.  Israel would live in a state of safety and security, free from fear or harassment.  

In Hosea 2:16-18, we see a powerful lesson on commitment and trust in God that will ensure security. When we fully commit to God and trust His sovereignty, we can live in unshakeable security, free from fear and worry. Just as Israel would find divine protection and unshakeable security through her commitment to God, we, too, can experience the same when we choose to commit fully to God. 

Hosea 2:14-15 – In God, there’s hope.

Although God has suspended His relationship with Israel, she is still very much on His mind and in His heart. Reconciliation has always been God’s plan, and He would initiate moves to woe Israel back. Isn’t this what God has been doing all along?

God would initiate moves to draw Israel back to Himself. There would be a rekindling of love. In the wilderness, God would tenderly draw her again. Israel had traveled extensively in the wilderness before entering the promised land. Now, God would bring her back there and tenderly draw and love her to prepare for the reconciliation.

 

The valley of Achor, where Achan was dealt with by Joshua, was a place of trouble and punishment.  In the upcoming season, it would not be a valley of trouble but a gateway to hope. Entering the new season, her troubling days would be over. Responding positively to God's drawing, Israel’s repentance and obedience would bring new hope.

   

The lesson from these two verses is a testament to the depth of God’s love. Reconciliation is not just a passing thought for Him, but a deep desire that resides in His heart. His love is not conditional, it does not waver or fade. It is a love that seeks to restore, not to punish. His love is a constant pursuit, even in our moments of waywardness.

 

Amidst our troubles and mistakes, we can find solace in the knowledge that God has a plan for us. His plan is not one of punishment but of reconciliation and new beginnings. Even in our darkest moments, we can trust in His love and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start. As long as we respond positively to His call, seeking repentance and obedience, we can find hope and new beginnings in Him.