Growing Evil in Israel

Hosea 4:1-19

Chapter 4 begins with some interesting "because" and "therefore" statements. Because the traits of kindness, faithfulness, and the knowledge of God were lacking and thought unneeded, therefore there was "cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery"; "Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away."

The nation had forgotten that the evil beginning to override God's moral decrees could begin to dominate their lives. Not only would God be forced to punish the nation, the growing evil in their land would cause havoc. Evil, once given a foothold, does not stay satisfied. Satan desired that the evil in God's nation grow to consume it and eventually destroy it forever. Only God's intervention could stop Satan's plan.

Some of the references in today's reading sound unfamiliar, but were obvious to Hosea's hearers and readers. Worshipers of Baal used the "raisin cakes" in 3:1 in their celebrations. The objects in verse 5 were all associated with pagan worship.

Judges often sat at the gates of the city to hear cases between residents. Chapter 4 is much like a case presented at a city's gate. The people of the land, the religious leaders, and the king were guilty of rebellion against the Lord. God had a legal right to be at odds with His people, yet He illustrates His continuing compassion for the people in verse 6—"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." The priests were especially guilty because instead of leading the people to God, "They feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness." (vs.8) Verse 14 literally describes the pagan practices of the Canaanites, including consorting with prostitutes at the temples of Baal.

Since it is believed that Hosea often visited Judah, verse 15 is a warning that the residents there heard, but apparently did not heed.

Comments

[Phil]

Your thoughts on the therefore and because statements are great. There are some definate echoes in todays society. We are fast becoming a world that does not hear God's Word. Does then the earth rebel because of it? Is this the reason for increased numbers of earthquakes and natural disasters? I know as theologians of the cross we can never make those direct accusations, but it is interesting to see that today in your blog.