Hosea 5 - Condemnation

 

Hosea 5 – Condemnation

 

God condemns the leadership of the nation of Israel. He says the priest and the people are of the same character. The priests are no more leading the people than the people are following a leader. He rebuked them for their brutality, murder, violence, and war.

 

It is no different today. We talk of war and not of our ministry in bringing the Word of God to our enemies. He rebukes them for their idolatry. It is a sin of a people who had the Word of God and who knew God but had turned from Him and no longer knew Him or worshipped Him. As a result, there was immorality and deterioration of the nation.

 

Does that sound familiar to our nation also? The people have deserted God, but when trouble comes and they have tried every other resource, they will turn to God. God tells them they will not find Him because He has withdrawn from them. For many people, turning to God is the last resort. When trouble comes, it should be our first resource.

 

The Word of God is like a fire extinguisher to most people. They have it on hand and hope they never have to use it, but it is there just in case the need arises.

Not only is this a judgment against Israel, we can consider it is a judgment against our nation also, but there is still hope. Israel will come again seeking the Lord and not as a last resort but in a manner of repentance. They will confess their sins, have a change of heart and obey the Lord. When they come in this fashion, God will turn back to them.

 

We too, must recognize our sins, change our ways, and turn back to God. That is the only way God will recognize us. We must stand up to our wrongs, confess them and change them. It is through God’s mercy and grace that we can do this and be fully confident that we are in God’s favor. God is not our last resort, where we repent only because we got caught sinning but is our first resort in knowing we have sinned, and we want to make it right with God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.