Hosea by ROBIN ROUTLEDGE;

Author:ROBIN ROUTLEDGE; [ROUTLEDGE;, ROBIN]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781783599653
Publisher: LightningSource
Published: 2020-11-16T06:00:00+00:00

Meaning

A key theme in these verses is the judgment on both nations because of their hostility to one another. The conflict between Israel and Judah, in both the Syro-Ephraimite war and numerous border incidents over a long period, threatens the unity of the people. Yahweh’s desire is for one people that can stand as a witness to the nations, but that is undermined by continuing rivalry and infighting. This remains a serious problem for the church today, where division can undermine its effectiveness for service.

Another feature is the horrific imagery associated with divine judgment. This indicates the seriousness with which God takes sin, and the desperate state of those who have turned from him. But that very desperation is intended to drive them to recognize their guilt, to seek God and to find healing. For the world today, the horrific image of Christ dying on the cross proclaims that same message of judgment and hope for those who put their trust in him.

The desperation of Israel and Judah led them to turn instead to Assyria. These verses emphasize the futility of asking for help from anyone but Yahweh. In earlier chapters, he removed blessings that the people associated with Baal in order to demonstrate their true source. Here, he withdraws from the people until they recognize their need of him. The people of God in every generation face the temptation to put confidence in other things. But for all its military might, the extent of its empire and the ‘greatness’ of its king, Assyria’s power is no match for God’s. Nothing is. God alone is the source of his people’s help and strength, and believers then and now need to depend on him.

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