Chapter 8-Israel’s Rebellion
America Israel had usurped God’s sovereign authority to lead the nation, worshipped idols, depended on foreign treaties rather than God, adopted foreign systems of worship, America Israel disregarded God’s Law.
As much as we can look at this and think: “Why would they think this would bring a “better” life…
I am sure ancient Israelites would say the same thing about the things we use in place of God.
Chapter 9- This is a cool chapter. v 1-9 ends with how the prophets’ words are considered “foolish”. Then starting in verse 10 Hosea compares two examples of sins with the present situation in Israel.
Example 1:
“When I found Israel,
it was like finding grapes in the desert;
when I saw your ancestors,
it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.
But when they came to Baal Peor,
they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol
and became as vile as the thing they loved.
Back in Numbers 25, as the Hebrews entered the Promised land, they were instructed for MONTHS to set themselves apart and worship the Lord ONLY. I don’t know if you remember Balaam: he was supposed to curse the Israelites but couldn’t, well plan B was to entice them to “fall” through “a man’s favorite hobby”. (Not eating…the other one 😉)
Numbers 25- While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, 2 who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. 3 So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them. 4 The Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of these people, kill them and expose them in broad daylight before the Lord, so that the Lord’s fierce anger may turn away from Israel.”
Example 2:“Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal,
I hated them there.
Because of their sinful deeds,
I will drive them out of my house.
I will no longer love them;
all their leaders are rebellious.
Gilgal was the beginning of their new life when they entered by Jericho. It was where the first Passover was celebrated. Since the day they stepped into the land their sinful deeds began.
Ch.10- they have “No King”- what a punch in the stomach. God warned them when they asked for an earthly king, He said earthly kings will disappoint. He reminded them: “I AM YOUR KING”. And they said “no thanks”. Well, now look at where they are in History!! They have neither a king nor The King of Kings! 😢
Chapter 11 begins this with a really cool vision of how God Loves Israel like a child. Deeply!
“When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 But the more they were called,
the more they went away from me….
4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
a little child to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.
So when did all this deception from the Hebrews begin? Chapter 12 reminds us it began in the womb.
The Lord has a charge to bring against Judah;
he will punish Jacob according to his ways
and repay him according to his deeds.
3 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel;
as a man he struggled with God.
4 He struggled with the angel and overcame him;
he wept and begged for his favor.
God reminds them: I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO WARN YOU!!! I EVEN SENT PROPHETS!
10: I spoke to the prophets,
gave them many visions
and told parables through them.”
Oh my Stars!!!! If you read nothing else, read this- This about sums up our 7 month read!! So if you are behind, read this…consider yourself caught up!!
4 “But I have been the Lord your God
ever since you came out of Egypt.
You shall acknowledge no God but me,
no Savior except me.
5 I cared for you in the wilderness,
in the land of burning heat.
6 When I fed them, they were satisfied;
when they were satisfied, they became proud;
then they forgot me.
The rest of Chapter 13 reveals his discipline because he LOVES
Finally: Chapter 14:
Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
“Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our lips.
9 Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the Lord are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.
Reading the Bible - 2021 