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.