Hosea 6:7 - 8:14
What does God expect of a nation? As chapter six draws to a close God cites the violence in Israel—not the violence of war against an enemy, but violence of His people against one another. He has told them in verse six that mercy is more important than their insincere sacrifices, yet they continue to do evil to one another. How many times have you been disappointed by someone that you trusted? How much violence do we see in our own nation? How often do Americans cheat one another in order to up the profits? The big I in sIn is alive and well even here, in the most free and wealthy nation of the world. In the time of Hosea even Judah—the nation that had birthed King David would fall into the same kinds of sin and rebellion. (vs.11)
Chapter seven continues God's description of His people in the midst of revolt against Him. The description of the baking bread was obvious to Hosea's listeners. Most of us no longer bake bread on stone, but verse eight describes a bread cake left to cook without turning. Soon becomes burned on one side and white and hard on the other—useless.
Beginning in verse eight He reveals their pursuit of foreign allies instead of their God. These allies will "sap his [Israel's] strength, but he does not realize it. His hair is sprinkled with gray, but he does not notice. Israel's arrogance testifies against him, but despite all this he does not return to the Lord his God or search for him." God's words were true. Over a period of only twenty years, 752-732 B.C., those seeking power assassinated four kings in Israel.
When Israel flies to her political allies for protection, God will bring them down and destroy their evil rebellion (vs.11-13). In verse 14, the people come to worship and sacrifice so that they will receive the gift of good crops, but with no heart for God.
Readers and listeners in Judah would have reacted differently than those in Ephraim/Israel. They probably nodded and smiled in agreement at the attack of words on their brothers to the north, but verse 14 undoubtedly cleared the smiles away. Judah was committing the same sins against God.
The nation of Israel fighting reminds me of the Church fighting. You brought it to a large view of our world, but it is very prevelant right here in the Church. These can be small battles that blow up into something huge, causing people to leave the church or even the faith.
Where has all of this fighting got us?
Posted by: Phil | November 05, 2009 at 01:21 PM