Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.
Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.
They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the Lord.
Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.
They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.
Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth–aven, nor swear, The Lord liveth.
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place.
Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye.
The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.
Hosea 4 is a powerful indictment against Israel, revealing a society riddled with spiritual decay. The chapter exposes the devastating consequences of abandoning truth, love, and the knowledge of God. It serves as a sobering warning to all generations about the importance of remaining faithful to God and His ways. This chapter provides insight for understanding the depth of Israel's apostasy and the far-reaching implications of their choices, while simultaneously urging a return to genuine faith and obedience.
The Lord's Case Against Israel (Hosea 4:1-3)
The LORD, acting as a prosecuting attorney, brings a case against the inhabitants of the land (Hosea 4:1). The charges are severe: "There is no truth, no faithful love, and no knowledge of God in the land." This indictment paints a grim picture of a nation that has strayed far from its covenant with God. "Truth," the objective standard by which we measure our lives, is absent. "Faithful love" (Hebrew: hesed), a steadfast and loyal devotion expressed through action, is nowhere to be found. And most tragically, there is "no knowledge of God," meaning that God is not in their thoughts, plans or daily lives.
This lack of spiritual foundation manifests in rampant sin. The Ten Commandments are ignored, leading to swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery (Hosea 4:2). Violence breaks out, one act of bloodshed following another. The consequences of this widespread sin extend beyond the human realm. Even the land suffers, mourning under the weight of their iniquity (Hosea 4:3). This echoes the sentiment found in Romans 8:20-21, where creation itself groans under the burden of sin.
The Guilt of the Leaders (Hosea 4:4-6)
While the people are guilty, God's anger is particularly directed at the priests and prophets (Hosea 4:4-5). These leaders, who should have been examples of righteousness, have instead rejected knowledge and led the people astray. They were meant to guide the people in worship and honor of the Lord, but they have abandoned their calling. The result is catastrophic: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This verse highlights the critical role of leadership in shaping the spiritual health of a nation. When leaders pursue their own selfish agendas, the people inevitably follow, leading to ruin.
The Tragedy of Multiplication (Hosea 4:7-10)
God had commanded humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28, 9:7). He had blessed Israel by multiplying their numbers (Exodus 1:7) and promised to multiply them further (Leviticus 26:9). But this blessing was conditional, dependent on their obedience (Deuteronomy 30:16). Tragically, their multiplication only led to increased sin: "The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against me" (Hosea 4:7). God declares that He will repay them for their deeds (Hosea 4:9), resulting in a situation where "they will be promiscuous but not multiply" (Hosea 4:10). This speaks to the futility of seeking fulfillment and blessing outside of God's will.
The Allure of False Worship (Hosea 4:11-14)
Hosea exposes the seductive nature of false worship, particularly the influence of surrounding nations who practiced cult prostitution (Hosea 4:14). These practices involved sexual immorality as a form of "worship," intended to appease the gods and ensure fertility. Israel had become infected with this pagan religion (Hosea 4:12-13), foolishly believing it could provide what they desired. However, Hosea makes it clear that the blessing of children comes from God alone (Psalm 127:3). Those who follow destructive thinking will come to ruin, and "a people without discernment will come to ruin" (Hosea 4:14).
A Warning to Judah (Hosea 4:15-19)
God extends a warning to Judah: "Do not go to Gilgal" (Hosea 4:15). Gilgal was a center of false religion in Israel, and God is exhorting Judah not to follow the northern kingdom's example. He compares Israel to a stubborn cow (Hosea 4:16), refusing to submit to God's will. Hosea frequently refers to Israel as Ephraim in his prophecy (Hosea 4:17), a tribe that resided within the northern kingdom. Despite the leaders' love of disgrace, God promises to strike their consciences and bring them to shame (Hosea 4:18-19). This serves as a reminder to remain open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, lest we develop a stubborn spirit and fail to experience the appropriate shame when we sin.
Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.
Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.
They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the Lord.
Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.
They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.
Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth–aven, nor swear, The Lord liveth.
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place.
Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye.
The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.
Hosea 4 is a powerful indictment against Israel, revealing a society riddled with spiritual decay. The chapter exposes the devastating consequences of abandoning truth, love, and the knowledge of God. It serves as a sobering warning to all generations about the importance of remaining faithful to God and His ways. This chapter provides insight for understanding the depth of Israel's apostasy and the far-reaching implications of their choices, while simultaneously urging a return to genuine faith and obedience.
The Lord's Case Against Israel (Hosea 4:1-3)
The LORD, acting as a prosecuting attorney, brings a case against the inhabitants of the land (Hosea 4:1). The charges are severe: "There is no truth, no faithful love, and no knowledge of God in the land." This indictment paints a grim picture of a nation that has strayed far from its covenant with God. "Truth," the objective standard by which we measure our lives, is absent. "Faithful love" (Hebrew: hesed), a steadfast and loyal devotion expressed through action, is nowhere to be found. And most tragically, there is "no knowledge of God," meaning that God is not in their thoughts, plans or daily lives.
This lack of spiritual foundation manifests in rampant sin. The Ten Commandments are ignored, leading to swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery (Hosea 4:2). Violence breaks out, one act of bloodshed following another. The consequences of this widespread sin extend beyond the human realm. Even the land suffers, mourning under the weight of their iniquity (Hosea 4:3). This echoes the sentiment found in Romans 8:20-21, where creation itself groans under the burden of sin.
The Guilt of the Leaders (Hosea 4:4-6)
While the people are guilty, God's anger is particularly directed at the priests and prophets (Hosea 4:4-5). These leaders, who should have been examples of righteousness, have instead rejected knowledge and led the people astray. They were meant to guide the people in worship and honor of the Lord, but they have abandoned their calling. The result is catastrophic: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This verse highlights the critical role of leadership in shaping the spiritual health of a nation. When leaders pursue their own selfish agendas, the people inevitably follow, leading to ruin.
The Tragedy of Multiplication (Hosea 4:7-10)
God had commanded humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28, 9:7). He had blessed Israel by multiplying their numbers (Exodus 1:7) and promised to multiply them further (Leviticus 26:9). But this blessing was conditional, dependent on their obedience (Deuteronomy 30:16). Tragically, their multiplication only led to increased sin: "The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against me" (Hosea 4:7). God declares that He will repay them for their deeds (Hosea 4:9), resulting in a situation where "they will be promiscuous but not multiply" (Hosea 4:10). This speaks to the futility of seeking fulfillment and blessing outside of God's will.
The Allure of False Worship (Hosea 4:11-14)
Hosea exposes the seductive nature of false worship, particularly the influence of surrounding nations who practiced cult prostitution (Hosea 4:14). These practices involved sexual immorality as a form of "worship," intended to appease the gods and ensure fertility. Israel had become infected with this pagan religion (Hosea 4:12-13), foolishly believing it could provide what they desired. However, Hosea makes it clear that the blessing of children comes from God alone (Psalm 127:3). Those who follow destructive thinking will come to ruin, and "a people without discernment will come to ruin" (Hosea 4:14).
A Warning to Judah (Hosea 4:15-19)
God extends a warning to Judah: "Do not go to Gilgal" (Hosea 4:15). Gilgal was a center of false religion in Israel, and God is exhorting Judah not to follow the northern kingdom's example. He compares Israel to a stubborn cow (Hosea 4:16), refusing to submit to God's will. Hosea frequently refers to Israel as Ephraim in his prophecy (Hosea 4:17), a tribe that resided within the northern kingdom. Despite the leaders' love of disgrace, God promises to strike their consciences and bring them to shame (Hosea 4:18-19). This serves as a reminder to remain open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, lest we develop a stubborn spirit and fail to experience the appropriate shame when we sin.