Hosea 12 - 14 - God's Charges and Restoration

 

Hosea 12 – God’s Charges Against Ephraim

 

A genuine return to God would involve a commitment to mercy and justice as well as true dependence on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).

 

The historical retrospective of God’s saving role in Israel’s history included their time in Egypt (Ex. 20:2), the story of Jacob (Genesis 28-31) and a prophet, Moses (Numb. 12:6-8), and the anger that the current idol worship of Ephraim provoked. For this the people were about to suffer. (Isaiah 65:7).

 

Hosea 13 – Relentless Judgment on Israel

 

The tribe of Ephraim initially produced strong, God-fearing leaders like Joshua, but eventually became overly self-confident and prone to idol worship. In contrast, the everlasting God reminds Ephraim of her past and His loyal love for her. “I knew you in the wilderness. (Deut. 8:14; 31:20).

 

Hosea painted startling pictures of the coming judgment of God with the lion, the leopard, and the bear and then the heightened terror with references to infants, dashed in pieces and pregnant women, ripped open by the Assyrians. These images reveal God’s power over death (I Cor. 15:55).

 

Hosea 14 – Israel Restored at Last

 

Hosea again urges the people to return to God with true words of repentance. God’s incredible grace and love are shown by His eagerness for their return (Joel 2:13).

 

The beautiful pictures of repentant Israel as a lily and an olive tree illustrate the transformation in any heart that confesses and turn from sin and then humbly accepts God’s loving gifts of mercy. (John 15:4).

 

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

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible