Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

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The covenant has been broken is reported again in Hosea 8. Kings were chosen without God’s input. Idols are manufactured and worshiped. Assyria will conquer the northern kingdom. They will be gathered again back to the promised land. The law has been disregarded. They have forgotten their maker. Even Judah will eventually fall.

Punishment for Israel is necessary per Hosea 9. Their lack of faithfulness to Yahweh must be paid for. Israel will be carried away in captivity to Assyria and Egypt. Offerings will not be presented. Prophets and priests contribute to the wickedness. Children will be denied the Israelites. When you reject Jehovah, He will not bless you. 

Hosea 10 begins a metaphor that is continued by Jesus. Israel is the vine here and the Lord calls himself the vine and us the branches from that plant. Samaria and it’s King will be destroyed. We reap what we sow.

We know that Jesus and His family went to Egypt after the Chaldeans visited the family in their home in Bethlehem. Hosea 11 mentions that Jehovah called His Son from Egypt. His efforts on behalf of Israel is noted. Verse twelve enumerates the sins of God’s people as lies, deceit, and being unruly against God.

We read in Hosea 12 all the errors that the Israelites made in their years of being led by Yahweh. The story begins with Esau and Jacob. The prophets continue to remind Israel of all the ways they have missed the mark or sinned.

Baal worship is mentioned in Hosea 13. Human sacrifice is part of this worship. Israel’s leadership does not help them follow the Lord. They are a hindrance. The punishment He brings will affect the rich and the poor.

Hosea ends his prophecy in chapter 14 with instructions for following the Lord. Asking for His forgiveness is a beginning step. Admitting that they have sinned will lead to their submission to Jehovah. Gods are no longer taking His place. Many metaphors are used to describe the change in Israel due to their rebellion.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger