Read Hosea 5
Background: So far in this prophecy we have seen a Husband (God) taking a wife of shaky background (Israel - both Northern and Southern Kingdoms). Though He is faithful to provide for her and her children, she is unfaithful, turning to numerous men and their false promises, bringing shame to herself and to her Husband. Nonetheless, He pays the price to buy her back from her fallen life, only to have her faithlessly betray Him again. This chapter pronounces judgment on her fitting to the life she has chosen.
the trumpet in Ramah.
Sound the alarm at Beth-aven;
we follow you, O Benjamin!
9 Ephraim shall become a desolation
in the day of punishment;
among the tribes of Israel
I make known what is sure.
10 The princes of Judah have become
like those who move the landmark;
upon them I will pour out
my wrath like water.
11 Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment,
because he was determined to go after filth.
12 But I am like a moth to Ephraim,
and like dry rot to the house of Judah.
Thoughts: Both Israel and Judah had ensnared themselves in this life of sin and seemed unwilling and unable to pull themselves. out. They chose not to. They turned to other nations and to other gods for help, but refused to return to their loving God. But God is waiting. As he wraps up this chapter, He says:
15 I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.
The faithful Husband is patiently waiting for his Wife to come to her senses and return home.
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