1 When I would heal Israel,
the iniquity of Ephraim is revealed,
and the evil deeds of Samaria;
for they deal falsely;
the thief breaks in,
and the bandits raid outside.
2 But they do not consider that I remember all their evil. Now their deeds surround them; they are before my face.
3 They do not consider in their hearts
that I remember all their wickedness.
Now their deeds surround them;
they are before my face.
4 They are all adulterers;
they are like a heated oven
whose baker ceases to stir the fire,
from the kneading of the dough
until it is leavened.
5 The princes are like those who move the boundary line; I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.
6 For they are all like a heated oven, whose baker ceases to stir the fire, from the kneading of the dough until it is leavened.
7 All of them are hot as an oven,
and they devour their rulers.
All their kings have fallen,
and none of them calls upon me.
8 Ephraim mixes himself with the peoples; Ephraim is a cake not turned.
9 Strangers devour his strength, and he knows it not; gray hairs are sprinkled upon him, and he knows it not.
10 The pride of Israel testifies to his face; yet they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him, for all this.
11 Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense, calling to Egypt, going to Assyria.
12 When they go, I will spread over them my net;
I will bring them down like birds of the heavens;
I will discipline them according to the report made to their congregation.
13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against me.
14 They do not cry to me from the heart,
but they wail upon their beds;
for grain and wine they gash themselves;
they rebel against me.
15 Though I trained and strengthened their arms,
yet they devise evil against me.
16 They return, but not upward; they are like a treacherous bow; their princes shall fall by the sword because of the insolence of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
The True Meaning of Hosea 7
The book of Hosea was written by the prophet Hosea, who lived during the 8th century BC in the northern kingdom of Israel. Hosea was called by God to deliver a message of judgment and restoration to the people of Israel, who had turned away from their covenant relationship with the Lord. Hosea continues to confront the people of Israel for their unfaithfulness and corruption in this chapter. He warns them of the impending consequences of their actions and calls them to repentance. The chapter highlights the ongoing struggle between God’s desire to redeem His people and their persistent rebellion.
Hosea draws upon imagery from the book of Exodus, reminding the people of how God had once delivered them from slavery in Egypt (Hosea 7:16). However, the people have now forgotten their history and have turned to foreign powers for help, rather than trusting in the Lord. This chapter foreshadows the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom, as the people’s sin and idolatry lead them further away from God’s protection.
Hosea 7:1-2
Hosea delivers a message from God in Hosea 7:1-2, highlighting the sinful behavior of the people of Israel. The passage reads, “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. A few key elements to unpack are present in these verses. Firstly, it mentions Ephraim and Samaria. Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, and at times, the name Ephraim is used to represent the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom. The mention of these places signifies that the sins being condemned were pervasive throughout the kingdom, from the leadership (Ephraim) to the capital city (Samaria) and beyond.
The passage speaks of God’s desire to heal and restore Israel, but their sins and wickedness have hindered this process. The people have turned to falsehood, thievery, and robbery, reflecting a society plagued by deceit and immorality. Despite God’s intentions to bring about healing, their sins have been laid bare, and their wickedness is out in the open.
Furthermore, there is a sense of God’s omnipresence in these verses. The people have failed to realize that God is fully aware of all their actions and the depths of their wickedness. Even though they may try to hide their sins from others, they are ultimately accountable to God, who sees everything. This serves as a reminder of the importance of living a righteous life, not just for the sake of appearances but out of true obedience to God.
This passage from Hosea reflects a recurring theme in the Bible regarding the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. Throughout the Old Testament, we see how disobedience and turning away from God lead to downfall and destruction. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was facing judgment for their sins, which included idolatry, corruption, and injustice in Hosea’s time. The message of Hosea serves as a warning to the people to acknowledge their sins, repent, and turn back to God before it is too late.
The book of Hosea also contains a central theme of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, despite the unfaithfulness of His people. Hosea’s own marriage to Gomer, who represents Israel’s unfaithfulness, serves as a powerful metaphor for God’s enduring love for His wayward people. Hosea 6:1-3 calls for a return to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of genuine repentance and seeking restoration with God. This call to repentance and the promise of God’s healing and restoration is a central message that runs throughout the Bible, reminding us of God’s mercy and grace, even in the face of human sinfulness.
Hosea 7:3-7
The prophet Hosea delivers a powerful message about the sinful behavior of God’s people in Hosea 7:3-7. Let’s break down the passage into important sections for a more detailed commentary.
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“They are all adulterers, as hot as an oven heated by a baker who need not stir the fire from the kneading of the dough till it rises.” – This imagery of adultery and the heat of an oven symbolizes the burning passion of the people for their sinful desires. Hosea uses the metaphor of a baker who leaves the fire burning without constantly tending to it, much like the people’s continuous pursuit of their sinful ways without repentance or restraint. This paints a picture of constant and unrestrained sinfulness among God’s people.
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“On the day of the festival of our king the princes become inflamed with wine, and he joins hands with the mockers.” – This verse speaks to the debauchery and drunkenness that characterized the people, even during religious festivals meant to honor God. The leaders, instead of setting a good example and upholding righteousness, partake in revelry and mockery. This behavior is a stark contrast to the reverence and respect that should be shown during a festival, especially one dedicated to honoring God.
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“They have all become hot as an oven, they devour their rulers; all their kings fall. None of them calls on me.” – This section emphasizes the destructive consequences of the people’s sinfulness. The metaphor of an oven, once again, underscores their burning passion for wickedness, leading to the downfall of their rulers and kings. Instead of turning to God in repentance and seeking His guidance, they continue down a path of self-destruction and disobedience.
Hosea’s message in these verses serves as a warning against the dangers of unrestrained sin and the consequences of turning away from God. The repeated imagery of an oven symbolizes the intensity and continuation of their sinful behavior, showing a people consumed by their own desires. The mention of the rulers and kings falling highlights the downfall of the leaders due to the corruption and sinfulness that pervaded the nation. This passage reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God, seeking His forgiveness, and turning away from sin to avoid destruction and judgment. The theme of repentance and turning back to God is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments in the broader context of the Bible. God stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”” This verse echoes the message Hosea conveys about the need for repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness to avoid calamity. Hosea’s words ultimately serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and repentance in maintaining a close relationship with God and avoiding the destructive consequences of sin.
Hosea 7:8-10
Verse 8 of Hosea 7 states, “Ephraim has mixed himself among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake not turned.” This verse is a metaphorical description of the nation of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. The image of a cake not turned highlights the idea that Ephraim, which symbolizes the Northern Kingdom of Israel, has been inadequately transformed or influenced by the true worship of God. The mixing with other nations signifies how the Israelites had turned to foreign gods and practices, forsaking their covenant with the Lord. They had become spiritually unbalanced and corrupt by aligning themselves with foreign powers and adopting their ways, much like an undercooked cake that lacked proper attention and care. Gray hairs are sprinkled upon him, and he knows it not.” This verse indicates the consequences of Ephraim’s actions. The “strangers” refer to foreign invaders who were able to overpower and exploit Ephraim because of their weakened state resulting from their disobedience towards God. The mention of gray hairs signifies aging and decay, reflecting how the once vibrant and powerful nation of Ephraim was now in a state of decline and vulnerability, yet oblivious to their own deterioration. This ignorance highlights the spiritual blindness and lack of discernment among the Israelites, which ultimately led to their downfall.
Lastly, in verse 10, it states, “The pride of Israel testifies to his face; yet they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him, for all this.” Despite the evident signs of their transgressions and the resulting consequences, the people of Israel remained stubborn and unrepentant. The pride mentioned here refers to their arrogance and self-sufficiency, which prevented them from acknowledging their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. This verse underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and turning back to God in times of trouble. However, the Israelites’ refusal to do so only led them further away from God’s grace and protection, ultimately leading to their captivity and exile.
The overall message conveyed in these verses from Hosea 7 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual unfaithfulness, pride, and disobedience. It warns against the consequences of straying from God’s commandments and seeking solace in worldly alliances and practices. Through the story of Ephraim and the Northern Kingdom of Israel, we see the tragic outcome of forsaking the one true God and the importance of repentance, humility, and steadfast devotion. This narrative is a timeless reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to constantly examine their hearts, and to seek God wholeheartedly, lest they fall into the same pitfalls as Ephraim and face the desolation that follows.
Hosea 7:11-13
The prophet Hosea delivers a message from God about the spiritual sickness of Israel in Hosea 7:11-13. Let’s break down these verses to gain a deeper understanding of their meanings and implications.
Verse 11 states, “Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless— now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria.” Here, Ephraim represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God and pursued alliances with foreign nations like Egypt and Assyria instead of relying on God’s protection. The comparison to a dove highlights the naivety and easily misled nature of Israel, as doves are often portrayed as gentle and innocent creatures. Israel was betraying God and His covenant by seeking alliances with foreign powers, showing a lack of faith and trust in Him to provide for and protect them. “I will throw my net over them when they go and bring them down like the birds in the sky,” says verse 12. I will discipline them when I hear them lie.” God is expressing his intention to bring discipline upon the wayward Israelites. God will ensnare the Israelites in their sinful ways and bring about consequences for their actions, just as a net captures birds in flight. This imagery of a net also emphasizes the idea of being trapped or ensnared by one’s own deceitful ways. The mention of discipline shows that God’s actions are out of love and a desire for His people to turn back to Him, despite their unfaithfulness.
Lastly, verse 13 states, “Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely.” This verse reflects God’s sorrow over the waywardness of His people. Despite their rebellion and straying from Him, God still longs to redeem and restore them. His desire for reconciliation and redemption is evident even in the face of Israel’s continued lies and false representations of Him. This verse underscores the theme of God’s relentless love and mercy towards His people, even when they have turned away from Him. A recurring theme throughout the Bible of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking refuge in other powers or possessions is seen in Hosea 7. This story arc can be traced back to the Israelites’ struggles with faithfulness and obedience throughout the Old Testament. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our relationship with God, trusting in His provision, and turning back to Him when we stray. Other verses like Jeremiah 2:13 and Psalm 119:176 also emphasize the dangers of forsaking God for temporary comforts and the need to return to Him for true redemption and restoration.
Hosea 7:14-16
The prophet Hosea reveals a deep sorrow over the spiritual condition of the people of Israel in Hosea 7:14-16. Let’s break down this verse into its important sections to dive deeper into its meaning.
Verse 14 begins with Hosea lamenting that Israel did not cry out to God from their hearts when faced with destruction. This verse reflects God’s disappointment in the people of Israel for not turning to Him wholeheartedly in times of distress. Despite being faced with calamity and ruin, they did not seek sincere repentance or call out to the Lord with genuine hearts. This lack of true repentance and turning to God in times of need is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, where the people of Israel often turned to idols and foreign gods instead of relying on the one true God who had delivered them countless times before.
Moving on to verse 15, Hosea describes how even though God had disciplined and taught Israel, they continued in their ways of rebellion. This verse highlights God’s persistent efforts to guide His people in the right path, even resorting to discipline to teach them the right way. However, despite His loving correction, the Israelites persisted in their sinful ways, demonstrating their stubbornness and defiance. This continual disobedience of the Israelites illustrates a common struggle faced by humanity – the tendency to stray from God’s teachings and pursue our own desires.
Finally, in verse 16, Hosea uses the imagery of a deceitful bow to portray the leaders of Israel who speak lies, going deeper into the corruption that plagues the nation. The metaphor of a deceitful bow emphasizes the untrustworthiness and dishonesty of Israel’s leaders, who were supposed to guide the people with integrity and righteousness. The leaders misled the nation by relying on falsehoods and deceit, leading them further astray from God’s commands and provoking His anger. God continues to call His people back to Himself, reflecting the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as His unwavering love and mercy in Hosea 7:14-16. This passage serves as a poignant reminder for us today to seek true repentance, remain obedient to God’s teachings, and beware of the deceitful influences that can lead us away from His truth. It also showcases the importance of genuine repentance and turning to God with sincerity, rather than turning to idols or empty practices that cannot save us. This theme aligns with verses like 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal a land if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.
After Hosea 7
The people had turned away from God, chasing after false idols and empty promises. Their hearts were divided, torn between the allure of the world and the call of their Creator. Yet, even in their waywardness, the Lord’s love remained steadfast, longing to draw them back to the path of righteousness. We are reminded that the door to God’s forgiveness is always open and that His mercies are new every morning as we close this chapter. The question now stands: will the people heed the prophet’s warning and return to the Lord, or will they continue down the road of destruction? The answer lies in the pages to come.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.