Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Hosea
by Max Frazier, Jr

A CASE AGAINST ISRAEL: THE PROSECUTION: Hosea 5

In our last study, we noticed that God was opening His case against Israel. The charge was that they had become adulterous and unfaithful. And this had happened because Israel had abandoned the truth because they had abandoned God's Word. There was a lack of the knowledge of God in the land.

In this chapter, God continues His case against Israel, relating how they have not come back to Him but have, instead, turned to others for deliverance.

Where did Israel turn when they knew that judgment was upon them? Was it to God? No, it was to run for help to Assyria, another godless nation. We read in verse 13, When Israel and Judah saw how sick they were, Israel turned to Assyria, to the great king there, but he could neither help nor cure them. How often does the human heart continue in rebellion against God even in the midst of judgment. This is a common condition expressed often in the pages of the Old Testament. Alliances are made with pagan nations for the purposes of solving national crises. Little thought is given to seeking the counsel of God.

I am reminded of the sinful condition of the heart of mankind at the end of the age. For, when God comes in horrific judgment at the end of the world, and mankind experiences the most awful judgments of God ever inflicted upon a sinful world, what is the common attitude of most? We read in Revelation 16:8-9, Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, causing it to scorch everyone with its fire. Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who sent all of these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. So, God sends them severe darkness which intensified the pain which they had from the boils which they had received from God earlier. And what was their response? Revelation 16:11 proclaims, and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they refused to repent of all their evil deeds. No turning to God, but being highly critical of God for their problems. That seems to be the condition of sinful man when problems come.

But there is also another warning within this chapter of Hosea. It is found in verse 6 where the prophet states, Then at last, they will come with their flocks and herds to offer sacrifices to the Lord. But it will be too late! They will not find him, because he has withdrawn from them, and they are now alone. It is so easy, when things are going well to think that we don't need God. But, when the moment of crises and troubles mount, it is back to God we go. But, as Hosea warned the leadership of Israel, there comes a time when God cannot be found. We have indulged in our sins far too long and spurned the voice of God.

It was another contemporary of Hosea who wrote that a person should seek the Lord while he may be found (Isaiah 55:6). That implies that God is not always to be found. The people of Noah's day found that to be true and so did the Israelites in the wilderness. When God cannot be found, we are in very serious straits. And all because we have not forsaken our sinful ways.

How we need to pray that God would ever keep us conscious of sin and of our need to please Him with our steadfast obedience.

Further Thoughts from Hosea 5:

KEY WORDS: Judgment; Prostitution; Unfaithful; Return to their God

KEY VERSE: Verse 4 describes the attitude of Israel.

PURPOSE STATEMENT: In this chapter God continues his case against Israel, relating how they have not come back to Him but have instead turned to others for deliverance.

OUTLINE: ANOTHER INDICTMENT

I. A command to listen - verses 1-3

II. Israel does not return unto the Lord - verses 4-7

III. Judgment will come - verses 8-12

IV. The only source of help with God - verses 13-15

Hosea 4 Return to the Table of Contents Hosea 6