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T is true that God has a real problem with our fallen, sinful
nature. But, make no mistake, He is also
bothered by the specific expressions of our sin nature. Chapter 4 includes a brief itemization of
some of the exact things that offended God & brought His wrath on Israel. The
fact is, God said to Hosea that there was a serious conflict between Him and
His people. There was contention in their relationship. He called it a
controversy (vs. 1). And, the root of the problem was none other than spiritual
ignorance. The people had forgotten
God. They did not know Him anymore, and
they did not know His truth (vs. 1 & 6).
Swearing, lying, killing, stealing, being promiscuous, being excessive
and violent; these evidences of spiritual ignorance are all things that are
hated by God. These actions offend Him. So, God began to take His blessings
away from His people. Even the land itself began to regurgitate the people out
of it (vs. 3 plus Leviticus 18:28 & 20:22). It would have been wonderful if
the Jews would have rebuked each other for their iniquity, but they wouldn't
and didn't (vs. 4). They relished their evil lifestyle (vs. 8). Carousing and
arousing were the distractions of the day (vs. 11). And, not only that, their
hearts were drawn toward false gods (vs. 13-14).
One of the most vivid descriptions of Israel's rebellion is painted for
us in verse 16: "Israel (also called Ephraim here) slides back as a
backsliding heifer." And how painful it is to read God’s determined
strategy in His controversy with His people, "Ephraim is joined to idols:
let him alone” (vs. 17)!
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