+

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

Hosea is a book of prophecy that seems odd. In chapter one we are introduced to him. He was around during the reigns of Uzziah through Hezekiah in Judah. His ministry was in marrying a woman who would be unfaithful to him. His family situation would point out the adultery that Israel and Judah committed against Jehovah. The children born in this family were given significant names. Jezreel indicates the punishment coming through the city’s destruction. Lo-Ruhamah is their second born and her name means not loved. Lo-Ammi is the third and that name means not my people.

Adultery is the subject of Hosea 2. Humans can cheat on their spouses and Yahweh looks at our failure to be true to Him to be spiritual adultery. The English words idolatry and adultery seem similar in structure. They are identical from God’s point of view. The language that is used here describes the similarity between these two terms. Isn’t it amazing that God loves us despite of sin?

What does it mean in Hosea 3 where Hosea is told by Jehovah to love his wife? In this situation he buys her away from prostitution. He made sure she knew what was expected of this relationship. This is like the life of the Hebrews and God.

Hosea 4 gives us the punishment that will come on Israel and Judah for their failure to honor the agreement they had made with Yahweh. The land will be destroyed, and thousands will die from pestilence, violence, and war. Even the priests will face the wrath of the Lord. Both men and women are being unfaithful to their spouses. They have committed themselves to their shameful ways.

Hosea warns the priests and the Israelites in chapter five. They are involved in prostitution on a spiritual level. He knows adultery on a personal level. They are unfaithful to Jehovah just as his wife was unfaithful to him. They went to Assyria for aid rather than asking their God. This condemnation is for Judah as well as the northern kingdom.

Returning to Yahweh is encouraged in Hosea 6. Mercy not sacrifice is required. He wishes to be acknowledged for who he is. Sacrifices are no longer offered as they were in Israel. The final sacrifice was Jesus on the cross. God promises to restore Judah despite their sin.

Yahweh makes it known in Hosea 7 that He remembers their sin. The sin is a failure to call on God for help He said He would provide.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger