Hosea 6 - Israel's punishment - a call to repentance

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED!!!

   Today I will do the commentary first and then you may read the scriptures.  I hope this helps you understand chapter 6.  It did help me as I studied, first to read the scriptures,  then study, and then re-read the scriptures.  Hosea 6.

  This begins with the people knowing they did wrong, but they did not realize to what extent they had sinned.  They did not turn away from their idols, repent of their sins, or pledge to make changes.  Israel thought God's wrath would be short lived and they were more interested in the material items of this world than the eternal reward or benefit that comes from worshiping God.

  In verses 4/5 God answers the people and HE does not hold back.  He compares their love to the morning mist that vanishes in the sunlight.  Then in verse 6 HE tells them HE is not as interested in their rituals as HE is with wanting the people of Israel to really know HIM.  Why?  If they don't really know God, then the rituals, circumcision, sacrifices, etc. are just idle acts and really a mockery. This brings to mind when we take communion.  Do we really understand what we are doing or just going through the motions?  Think about it for a moment.

  Verse 7 is one we should keep close to our heart and think about when tempted.  NIV ⁷ As at Adam, they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there.

   Verses 8/9 Gilead was once a sacred place, but at this time it is corrupt.  Shechem was once a city of refuge designated by Joshua.  Gilead was an area that included Ramoth, a city of refuge as well.  Now, all these areas are plagued with murder, crime, and bands of evil priests lying in wait to murder travelers passing through.

  Verse 10 God speaks of Ephraim and Judah prostituting themselves with false gods and then in verse 11 God tells them plainly: you are going back into captivity as this is your harvest of punishment.

   This chapter speaks volumes to us today as well.  Just look around and see how far we have moved away from the teachings of the Bible morally, ethically, and personally.  Here, again, is Hosea 6. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny