Scripture Text: Hosea 11:5-7
My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.
Hosea 11:7
Hugh Lattimer once offended King Henry VIII with one of his sermons, and the king demanded that the bishop publicly recant his words in the following week’s message. A week later, Lattimer opened with a brief introduction in which he said that he feared God’s wrath more than the king’s. He then repeated the previous week’s sermon word for word.
By now, parts of Hosea may be giving you a case of déjà vu. Israel’s sin was repetitive, and the prophet repeatedly proclaimed the allegations against them to drive his point home. God was building His case against Israel to prove that the guilty verdict was just. No matter how many times the facts were analyzed or from what angle the story was viewed, Israel’s betrayal was obvious and God’s faithfulness was impeccable. If anything, the destruction and exile that awaited the nation were overdue.
Israel was “determined” to turn from God, a Hebrew phrase that could literally be translated as “hung up on” or “impaled on.” Israel’s pursuit of idolatry was not an occasional slip. Their hearts had a singular focus on rebellion.
The second half of verse 7 is difficult to interpret because it is difficult to translate. Scholars are divided on the correct phrasing. One interpretation is that even if Israel were to call on God, He would not lift them up. A second view is that no one in Israel would exalt God, even if they did call out to Him for help. Yet another possible reading is that Israel would call out to Baal, who was incapable of helping them in their time of need. Despite the confusion, each interpretation arrives at the same conclusion: Israel was so entrenched in their sin that genuine repentance was not going to happen, and divine help would not come.
The case against Israel was lopsided. The likelihood of repentance had vanished. God’s judgment was certain. Despite all that, God’s mercy continued to rain down on them. His love for His people would not allow them to be completely destroyed.
Reflect
1. How is your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. Do you serve Him alone or are you a slave to yourselves, your sins?
3. Are we solely devoted to Him?
Remember
Israel’s propensity for sin was not unique to them. More was expected of them because they were God’s chosen people, but without an intimate relationship with Him and commitment to serving Him alone, slavery to sin is inevitable. We are not immune to falling into the same traps that ensnared Israel because we are afflicted with the same condition: the depravity of sin.
Use this study of Israel’s sin as an example of what life apart from God is like, and make a renewed commitment to unwavering devotion to Him alone.
Read
Ezekiel 18:31; Psalm 81:11-12; Hebrews 10:29-30; James 4:8
Pray
Dear Lord, make me see what robs Your place in my heart and I ask for the Holy Spirit for the empowerment that is promised to me that I may think and act always in accordance to Your will. Let this heart of mine be seen by You as faithful and devoted to You alone. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
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