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Hosea

Hosea. Chapters 12 & 13.

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Hosea

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  1. Hosea Chapters 12 & 13

  2. In the beginning of the final section of charges against/judgement of Israel we are reminded that Jacob, the father of all twelve tribes, began his life as a deceiver and practiced it throughout life. Yet, unlike Israel, he sought after God. He realized that God brings blessing in life not our own deeds, and he purged his household of idols. The Israelites did not. Chapter 12:1-5

  3. But you! Return to your God with faithful love and justice, and wait continually for your God. (CEB) Seems fairly self-explanatory. We must note, though, the call to love AND justice. Love without justice leads to permissiveness which can lead to hurt. Justice without love, pushes people away from God. Chapter 12:6

  4. Fraud and cheating had become the norm in business practice. The people thought that the increase in their wealth was God’s approval. However God said, “Now just wait a minute there. I am your God! And I’m about to kick you out. Put you back in those tents and it won’t just be for a party. Listen to those through whom I choose to speak. Listen to their stories. Listen to their warnings.” Chapter 12:7-11

  5. Don’t forget where you come from. • The Lord used Moses to lead and care for the children of Israel during their exodus, yet Israel has turned on Him and will be repaid for it Chapter 12:12-14

  6. Israel, represented by its largest tribe Ephraim, is once again confronted with its worship of Baal which included lewd, sexual acts. These acts, we are told, led to death. Israel didn’t learn and the sinning is increasing, idols being made, kissing the calf idols, human (baby) sacrifices. And this does nothing but lead to emptiness. Hollowness, mist, dust in the wind. Chapter 13:1-3

  7. God is still God. He brought these people out of Egypt. Cared for them, protected them, provided for them. He is the only God they know that delivers on His word. Yet instead of acknowledging that fact they behaved like spoiled children and ignored Him. Forgot Him. Chapter 13:4-6

  8. Israel is going to be destroyed. God says He will charge them like a lion, stalk them like a leopard, rip them apart like a grizzly, like a coyote He will make a meal of them and crows will clean their bones. Wow! What colorful language. I think it is clear He is very angry at their unfaithfulness. • He asks who will save them, the king he reluctantly allowed them to have? No, he became fed up that the kings of the northern kingdom just led Israel deeper and deeper into sin. • Plus, He is keeping account of the atrocities. Judgment is nigh. Chapter 13:7-12

  9. Ephraim (once again as representative of Israel) is likened to an unborn child too stupid to find his way out of the womb when the time comes to be born. Should God intervene and save him from death. In verse 14 God asks, “Who is afraid of you, Death? Who cares about your threats, Tomb?” (MSG) • Going on to say that He is abolishing death without compassion. • Once again we see the mention of His salvation. That pattern of charges>judgement>salvation. Chapter 13:13-4

  10. Even though salvation is coming and death loses out in the end, destruction is coming. Verses 15&16 from The Message: “God’s tornado is on its way, roaring out of the desert. It will devastate the country, leaving a trail of ruin and wreckage. The cities will be gutted, dear possessions gone for good. Now Samaria has to face the charges because she has rebelled against her God: Her people will be killed, babies smashed on the rocks, pregnant women ripped open.” Chapter 13:15-16

  11. There is a distinct pattern in Hosea: God’s promise of judgment followed by His promise of salvation. Judgment followed by the promise of forgiveness. Passages of judgment: 1:2-9; 2:2-13; 4:1-5:14; 6:4-11:7; 11:12-13:16 Passages of salvation: 1:10-2:1; 2:14-3:5; 5:15-6:3; 11:8-11; 14:1-9 This is how Hosea shows the two key principles of the book; love and justice. These elements are at the foundation of God’s character. God is a just God, but it is tempered by His love. This is how we should strive to live our lives. It can be extremely difficult to keep the two in balance though. Sometimes we are so loving we become so permissive that we let people wallow in their sin. Or we get so caught up in judging people that we are just plain ugly and drive people running and screaming from God. Love the sinner, hate the sin. We must have justice with heart and love with a desire for God’s higher standard. Thoughts

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