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.