Overview

Hosea 8 delves into the theme of Israel's rejection of God and the imminent judgment they face. The chapter opens with the warning of an eagle over the house of the Lord, symbolizing impending danger. Israel's sin is primarily their idolatry, crafting idols and setting up altars in defiance of God's commandments. Despite their religious rituals, they have disregarded God's law, leading to a breakdown in their relationship with Him. The chapter mentions the political turmoil and dependence on foreign alliances, particularly Assyria, which reflects Israel's lack of trust in God. The people's sacrifices are seen as meaningless because they are not offered with true devotion or obedience. The chapter warns that Israel's sown wind will reap a whirlwind, indicating that their actions will bring disastrous consequences. The chapter also highlights Israel's failure to acknowledge God as the true source of their strength and prosperity. It concludes with the stark reality that Israel's rejection of God will lead to their downfall and scattering among the nations. The overriding message is that disobedience to God inevitably leads to judgment and loss.

Hosea 8

1  Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

2  Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee.

3  Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.

4  They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

5  Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency?

6  For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

7  For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

8  Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.

9  For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

10  Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.

11  Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.

12  I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.

13  They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

14  For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

End of Hosea 8


1 Year Plan:  Dec 4 - Hos 8, Hos 9,  Rev 3

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