Sources will be found in Notebook--Bible Study
While the exact order can vary slightly in different Bibles, the general order of these three prophets within the Minor Prophets is:
Hosea--Amos--Zechariah
Bible Study
These sources explore the multifaceted causes of national decline, drawing upon biblical metaphors and historical examples. They examine the interconnectedness of political instability, economic woes, and moral decay as internal factors contributing to societal collapse. Biblical perspectives, particularly the concepts of "spiritual adultery" and "national adultery," are used to illustrate the consequences of unfaithfulness to core values and covenants. The role of hypocrisy in eroding trust and hindering national stability is also analyzed, along with the prophetic messages of Hosea and Amos, highlighting the importance of both spiritual fidelity and social justice.
. This sets a historical context for God's judgment, highlighting a pattern of disobedience and its consequences.
•
Call to Repentance: Despite past transgressions, the Lord calls on the people to turn back to Him, promising that He will turn to them in return
. This emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a response to human actions and that repentance is a path to reconciliation.
•
Consequences of Disobedience: The text states that the Lord's words and statutes did take hold of their fathers, and they were dealt with according to their ways
. This shows that God's judgment is just and aligns with the principle of cause and effect and that actions have consequences.
•
Seventy Years of Indignation: The Lord expresses indignation against the cities of Judah for a period of seventy years
. This indicates a period of divine punishment or consequence for disobedience, emphasizing that God's judgment can have a specific time frame.
•
Judgment on Nations: The Lord is described as being very displeased with the "heathen" and states that they helped forward the affliction
. This shows that God's judgment is not limited to his chosen people but extends to all nations. God will shake his hand upon them, and they will be a spoil to their servants.
•
The Curse of the Flying Roll: A flying roll is described as a curse that goes over the whole earth, stating that everyone who steals or swears falsely will be cut off
. This demonstrates that God's judgment extends to specific acts of wrongdoing.
•
Removal of Iniquity: The Lord promises to remove the iniquity of the land in one day
. This points to a future act of divine intervention that will bring about redemption and cleansing.
•
Judgment of Shepherds: God expresses anger against the shepherds and punishes the goats because they led their flock astray
. This highlights that those in positions of leadership will be held accountable for the way they treat those under their care.
•
Future Judgment: The text speaks of a future day of the Lord, when nations will be gathered against Jerusalem
. This alludes to a final judgment, where God will decisively act to punish the wicked and redeem his people.
•
Plague as Punishment: The Lord will inflict a plague on those who have fought against Jerusalem
. This describes a graphic, physical manifestation of God's judgment and demonstrates the consequences for specific acts of hostility toward God's chosen city.
•
Salvation and Redemption: The Lord also speaks of saving his people and bringing them back to Jerusalem
, which suggests that God's judgment also has a redemptive aspect for those who turn to him.
•
The Nature of the Final Judgment The text notes that the light will not be clear nor dark and will be known to the Lord
. It will be one day where the Lord is king over all the earth.
•
The Result of Judgement: The text says that, as a result of God's judgement, all people who come against Jerusalem will be struck with a plague
. It also says that those who do not come to worship the King will not receive rain.
•
The word of the Lord came to Zechariah again on the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius
.
•
The word of the Lord came to Zechariah in the fourth year of king Darius, in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu
.
•
The text refers to a period of seventy years during which the Lord had indignation against the cities of Judah
. It also mentions that the people had fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for those seventy years. The word of the Lord came to Zechariah multiple times. The text indicates that Zechariah received the word of the Lord in the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, on the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, and again in the fourth year of king Darius, in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu
. The specific elements of this initial message are:
•
Historical Displeasure: The Lord expresses that He has been "sore displeased" with the people's fathers
. This establishes a historical context for the message, indicating that the current situation is a result of past disobedience.
•
Call to Return: The Lord urges the people to "Turn ye unto me" and promises that He will, in turn, turn unto them
. This emphasizes that God is not simply punishing, but desires reconciliation. The message suggests that turning back to God is the key to restoring their relationship with him.
•
Warning Against Repeating Past Mistakes: The Lord admonishes them, "Be ye not as your fathers"
. The message reminds them that their fathers were warned by former prophets to turn from their evil ways, but they did not listen. This part of the message serves to highlight the importance of heeding the word of the Lord and not repeating past errors.
•
Consequences of Disobedience: The Lord makes clear that the people's fathers did not listen to the prophets, nor hearken to him
. This is a direct reference to their ancestors' disobedience and sets the stage for God's judgment.
In summary, the Lord's initial message to Zechariah is a call for the people to learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, to turn back to Him, and to avoid the path of disobedience that led to their fathers' downfall. It is a message that combines a reminder of past judgment with an invitation to present reconciliation
. Here's what the Lord said about his displeasure:
•
Sore Displeasure: The Lord states directly that He "hath been sore displeased with your fathers"
. This sets a tone of serious dissatisfaction with the actions of previous generations.
•
Disobedience: The Lord explains that the people's fathers did not heed the warnings of the former prophets, who cried, "Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings"
. Despite these warnings, the fathers "did not hear, nor hearken" to the Lord.
•
Consequences: The text implies that the current state of the people is a consequence of their fathers' actions and disobedience, as the Lord's words and statutes "did...take hold of your fathers"
and the Lord dealt with them according to their ways. This establishes a connection between the actions of past generations and the experiences of the present generation.
•
Call to Avoid Repeating Mistakes: The Lord admonishes the people to "Be ye not as your fathers," indicating a desire for the current generation to learn from their ancestors' mistakes
.
In summary, the Lord's message expresses intense displeasure with the fathers due to their disobedience and failure to heed the warnings of the prophets. This historical context underscores the need for the current generation to turn back to the Lord and avoid repeating the errors of the past
. The Lord's displeasure is not just a statement of anger, but also a call to repentance and a path to reconciliation for those willing to turn back to him. Here's what the Lord says regarding his jealousy for Jerusalem:
•
Great Jealousy: The Lord declares, "I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy"
. This statement indicates a powerful and intense emotional attachment to Jerusalem. The use of the word "jealousy" suggests a protective and possessive love, not wanting any other to have what rightfully belongs to Him.
•
Displeasure with the Heathen: The Lord expresses being "very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease"
. This displeasure stems from their actions and attitude. The Lord states that "I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction". This shows that the Lord's anger is not only directed towards his own people for their disobedience but also towards other nations that took advantage of their affliction, adding to their suffering.
•
Return with Mercies: The Lord proclaims, "I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies"
. This indicates that despite his anger, he is also motivated by compassion and a desire to restore Jerusalem. The return with mercies is in contrast to the previous displeasure and suggests a turning point in the relationship between God and Jerusalem.
•
Rebuilding of the Temple: The Lord says, "my house shall be built in it"
. This signifies that the Lord's jealousy for Jerusalem is intertwined with his desire to have his dwelling place restored there. The promise of the temple being rebuilt is a sign of God's commitment to his city and his intention to dwell in it.
•
Stretching a Line Upon Jerusalem: The Lord declares, "a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem"
. This can be interpreted as a symbol of measuring and planning for the city's future restoration and prosperity, showing his detailed intention for Jerusalem.
•
Comfort and Choice: The Lord states that he "shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem"
. This lineage establishes Zechariah's connection to both his immediate father, Berechiah, and his grandfather, Iddo, who was also a prophet
.
Therefore, Zechariah's lineage can be summarized as follows:
•
Zechariah is the primary prophet mentioned in the text, receiving the word of the Lord
.
•
His father is Berechiah
.
•
His grandfather is Iddo, who is also identified as a prophet
. This man is later identified as one of those whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro through the earth. These riders report that the earth is at rest
.
•
Four Horns: Zechariah then saw four horns, which were explained to be the horns that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem
. These horns symbolize the powers that have oppressed God's people.
•
Four Carpenters: The Lord showed Zechariah four carpenters, who were sent to "fray" the horns of the Gentiles that scattered the land of Judah
. These carpenters represent the forces that would dismantle the powers that scattered God's people.
•
Man with a Measuring Line: Zechariah also saw a man with a measuring line who was going to measure Jerusalem
. This vision was followed by the word that Jerusalem will be inhabited as towns without walls. The measuring line suggests the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem.
•
Candlestick and Olive Trees: Zechariah saw a gold candlestick with a bowl on top, seven lamps, and seven pipes, along with two olive trees, one on each side of the candlestick
. The two olive trees are identified as the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. This vision is interpreted as representing the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, emphasizing that the work will be done not by might or power, but by God's spirit.
•
Flying Roll: Zechariah saw a flying roll, measuring twenty cubits in length and ten cubits in breadth
. This flying roll is identified as a curse that goes forth over the whole earth, specifically against those who steal and swear falsely.
•
Ephah and Woman: Zechariah saw an ephah, a measurement container, going forth. A talent of lead was lifted up, and this was described as a woman that sat in the midst of the ephah and as wickedness that was then cast into the ephah, with the weight of lead over the mouth
. The ephah with the woman is described as wickedness and is carried away to the land of Shinar.
•
Four Chariots: Zechariah saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains of brass. The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth grisled and bay horses
. These chariots were explained as the four spirits of the heavens that go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. This man was not alone; he was standing among myrtle trees located in a bottom, and behind him were other horses of various colors including red, speckled, and white
.
This vision is described in the following way in the source:
•
A man on a red horse, positioned among myrtle trees in a bottom
.
•
Other horses—red, speckled, and white—were behind the man on the red horse
.
•
The man is identified as one of those whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro through the earth
.
•
The riders report that the earth is at rest
.
The vision of the man on the red horse is the first of several visions that Zechariah experiences, each filled with symbolic meaning and divine messages. This initial vision sets the stage for the subsequent prophecies and insights revealed to Zechariah about Jerusalem and God's people
. Here's a breakdown of what he saw:
•
A man riding a red horse: Zechariah specifically saw a man riding upon a red horse
. This figure is a central part of the vision and is the most prominent figure in the midst of the myrtle trees.
•
Myrtle Trees: The man on the red horse was positioned among the myrtle trees, which were located in a bottom
. The myrtle trees serve as the setting or backdrop of this vision.
•
Other horses: Behind the man on the red horse were other horses, described as red, speckled, and white
. These additional horses add to the visual imagery of the vision and imply a group or retinue.
•
Divine Messengers: The man on the red horse and the other horses are later identified as those whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro through the earth
. These figures serve as divine messengers carrying out God's will.
•
Report of the Earth at Rest: These figures report to an angel that they had walked through the earth and that all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest
.
In summary, the vision in the myrtle trees features a man on a red horse in the midst of myrtle trees, with additional horses of various colors behind him. This scene is not just a static image, but a portrayal of divine agents going throughout the earth, which underscores the Lord's active presence and involvement in the world
. The fact that the earth is at rest is significant. This vision is one of several given to Zechariah, each with its own specific symbolic elements. This signifies a future where the city's population will expand so greatly that it will extend beyond traditional city walls and will not need them
.
•
Multitude of People and Cattle: The reason that Jerusalem will not require walls is due to the multitude of men and cattle therein
. This emphasizes the large number of inhabitants and livestock that will populate the city in the future.
•
Divine Protection: The Lord declares that He "will be unto her a wall of fire round about"
. This indicates that Jerusalem's security will not depend on physical walls, but rather on the divine protection provided by the Lord. The "wall of fire" is a metaphor for God's powerful and all-encompassing defense of the city.
•
Future Prosperity: The Lord says that "My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad"
. This suggests that Jerusalem's growth and prosperity will extend to other cities, implying a period of expansion and abundance for the region.
•
Return of People: The Lord proclaims "I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem"
. This indicates that people from various lands will return to Jerusalem, and they will dwell there, further increasing its population.
•
God's Presence: The Lord states, "they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness"
. This signifies that despite past displeasures, the Lord is now motivated by compassion and intends to restore Jerusalem.
•
Rebuilding of the Temple: The Lord states, "my house shall be built in it"
. This promise indicates a physical restoration of the temple, signifying the Lord's intention to have his dwelling place in Jerusalem once again.
•
Expansion Beyond Walls: Jerusalem is prophesied to be inhabited as towns without walls due to the multitude of men and cattle
. This suggests that the city's population will expand significantly, necessitating an extension of its boundaries beyond traditional city walls. The lack of walls will be due to divine protection.
•
Divine Protection: The Lord promises to be "unto her a wall of fire round about"
. This indicates that Jerusalem's security will not depend on physical fortifications but rather on the Lord's powerful and encompassing protection.
•
Prosperity and Growth: The Lord says, "My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad"
. This suggests a period of expansion and abundance, with Jerusalem's prosperity extending to surrounding cities.
•
Comfort and Choice: The Lord states that he "shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem"
. This highlights God's ongoing care for the city and his commitment to its ultimate well-being.
•
Return of People: The Lord proclaims, "I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem"
. This promise indicates that people from various lands will return to Jerusalem, leading to a significant increase in its population.
•
God's Presence: The Lord declares, "they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness"
. This indicates a close and righteous relationship between the Lord and the future inhabitants of Jerusalem, characterized by divine protection and guidance.
•
Jerusalem as a City of Truth: The Lord states, "Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth"
, highlighting the city's future moral and spiritual integrity.
•
Old and Young Dwell Together: The Lord indicates that "There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem" and "the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof"
. This signifies a time of peace and security in which the young and old live together in safety and harmony.
•
Reversal of Past Afflictions: The Lord states that he "will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days"
. This implies a significant shift from the hardships of the past to a time of blessing and prosperity for the people of Jerusalem.
•
Restoration of Agriculture: The Lord states, "the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew"
. This highlights a period of agricultural abundance and divine favor in the land.
•
Jerusalem as a Blessing: The Lord declares "as ye were a curse among the heathen...so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing"
. This indicates a transformation of Jerusalem from a place of scorn to a source of blessing for the world.
•
Spiritual Renewal: The Lord promises to pour out the "spirit of grace and of supplications" on the inhabitants of Jerusalem
, leading to a deep spiritual renewal and relationship with him.
•
A Fountain for Cleansing: A fountain will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness
. This signifies spiritual cleansing and the removal of past iniquities.
•
The Lord as King: The Lord shall be king over all the earth
. This indicates a time when the Lord's sovereignty will be universally recognized.
•
Living Waters: Living waters shall go out from Jerusalem
, which will signify life and abundance flowing out from the city.
•
Holiness: There shall be "Holiness unto the Lord" on the bells of the horses and every pot in Jerusalem, signifying the city's complete dedication to the Lord
.
•
No More Canaanites: There shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord
. This signifies that all who remain in the city will be fully devoted to the Lord.
•
Unified Worship: People from many cities and nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem
. Here's a breakdown of key aspects of Amos's prophecies:
•
Background and Setting: Amos was a herdman from Tekoa who prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel, two years before an earthquake
. His prophecies were delivered in a time of relative prosperity, but he focused on the social injustices and religious hypocrisy prevalent in Israel and surrounding nations.
•
Judgment Against Nations: Amos's prophecy begins with indictments against several nations, including Damascus, Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon, and Moab
. Each nation is cited for specific transgressions, and the Lord declares that he will not turn away their punishment. These include:
◦
Damascus: Threshing Gilead with threshing instruments of iron
.
◦
Gaza: Carrying away the whole captivity to Edom
.
◦
Tyrus: Delivering up the whole captivity to Edom, and not remembering the brotherly covenant
.
◦
Edom: Pursuing his brother with the sword and casting off all pity
.
◦
Ammon: Ripping up pregnant women of Gilead to enlarge their border
.
◦
Moab: Burning the bones of the king of Edom into lime
.
•
Judgment Against Judah: Amos also prophesies against Judah for despising the law of the Lord and not keeping His commandments
. The Lord says that they have been caused to err by their lies and by following the ways of their fathers.
•
Judgment Against Israel: Amos’s prophecy strongly condemns Israel for social injustices, religious hypocrisy, and moral decay
. Specific sins include:
◦
Selling the righteous for silver and the poor for a pair of shoes
.
◦
Exploiting the poor and needy
.
◦
Profaning God's holy name through immoral acts
.
◦
Engaging in luxurious living while ignoring the plight of the poor
.
◦
Rejecting the Nazarites and prophets
.
◦
Oppressing the poor, crushing the needy, and telling their masters to bring drinks
.
◦
Dishonest business practices, such as making the ephah small, the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit
.
◦
Longing for the end of religious observances so they can return to their corrupt dealings
.
◦
Taking bribes and turning aside the poor from their right
.
•
Divine Punishment: The Lord's punishment is described in various ways including sending fire to devour palaces, cutting off inhabitants, and sending people into captivity
. For Israel, punishments include pestilence, famine, military defeat and exile.
◦
The Lord threatens to send a fire on the walls of multiple cities, including Gaza and Tyrus
.
◦
The Lord promises to cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod and him that holds the scepter from Ashkelon
.
◦
The Lord declares that the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir
.
◦
The Lord says that the king of Ammon and his princes will go into captivity
.
◦
The Lord says that he will send a fire upon Moab that will devour the palaces of Kirioth
.
◦
The Lord will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem
.
◦
The Lord will bring an adversary round about the land, who shall bring down their strength, and spoil their palaces
.
◦
The Lord will smite the winter house with the summer house, and the houses of ivory shall perish
.
◦
The Lord will take them away with hooks and their posterity with fishhooks
.
◦
The Lord has given them cleanness of teeth, want of bread, and has withheld rain from them
.
◦
The Lord has smitten them with blasting and mildew
.
◦
The Lord has sent among them pestilence after the manner of Egypt
.
◦
Some have been overthrown, like Sodom and Gomorrah
.
•
The Lord's Sovereignty: Amos emphasizes that the Lord is the creator and ruler over all the earth. He forms the mountains, creates the wind, declares man's thoughts, makes morning darkness, and treads upon the high places of the earth
. The Lord is the one who does all these things.
•
Visions of Locusts and Fire: Amos experiences visions of locusts devouring the land and fire consuming the deep, which he pleads with the Lord to cease
. These visions highlight the Lord’s power and Amos’s role as an intercessor for his people.
•
Plumbline Vision: The Lord shows Amos a plumbline, indicating that He will use this as a measure to assess the righteousness of Israel
. This vision suggests that God will not tolerate any deviation from righteousness, and that punishment is forthcoming.
•
Basket of Summer Fruit: In another vision, Amos sees a basket of summer fruit, which symbolizes that the end is coming for Israel
. This signifies the ripeness of the nation's sins and the imminence of divine judgment.
•
Rejection of Worship: The Lord expresses his disdain for the Israelites' feasts, solemn assemblies, burnt offerings, meat offerings, peace offerings and songs, saying he will not accept them and will not listen to their melodies
. He desires justice and righteousness, not superficial religious practices. The Lord says that their judgment is turned to wormwood and they leave off righteousness in the earth. He calls for judgement to run down like water and righteousness as a mighty stream.
•
Call to Repentance: Despite the pronouncements of judgment, Amos also includes a call to repentance. He urges the people to seek good and not evil, and to hate evil and love good
. This underscores the possibility of avoiding punishment through genuine repentance and a return to righteous living. The Lord implores the house of Israel to seek him so that they may live.
•
Future Restoration: Amidst the warnings, there are also hints of future restoration. The Lord speaks of raising up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, closing up the breaches, raising up its ruins, and building it as in the days of old
. The Lord also speaks of bringing again the captivity of his people, and of them rebuilding waste cities, and planting vineyards and gardens. The Lord says he will plant them in their land, and they will not be pulled up again.
•
The Lord states that the plowman will overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that sows the seed. He says the mountains shall drop sweet wine and the hills shall melt
. Here's a breakdown of key themes in Hosea's prophecy:
•
Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor: The Lord commands Hosea to marry a "wife of whoredoms" and have "children of whoredoms"
. This is a symbolic act representing the Lord's relationship with Israel, which has been unfaithful and committed "great whoredom" by departing from Him.
◦
Hosea marries Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, who bears him three children
.
◦
The names of the children are significant: Jezreel (to avenge the blood of Jezreel), Loruhamah ("no mercy"), and Loammi ("not my people"), each reflecting God's judgment on Israel
.
◦
The Lord states that He will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, and that they are not His people, and He will not be their God
. However, the Lord promises that the number of the children of Israel will be as the sand of the sea, and they will be called the sons of the living God.
•
Israel's Unfaithfulness: Hosea's prophecy repeatedly accuses Israel of spiritual adultery, meaning their worship of other gods and idols
.
◦
The people are described as going after their lovers (other gods) who they believe give them their provisions
.
◦
The Lord says that Israel did not know that He was the one who provided for them
.
◦
Israel has forgotten the Lord
.
◦
They have committed whoredom and continually love to give
.
◦
They have dealt treacherously against the Lord by begetting strange children
.
◦
They have made altars to sin
.
◦
The Lord states that Israel has gone a-whoring from God and has loved a reward upon every cornfloor
.
◦
They have deeply corrupted themselves
.
◦
They have provoked the Lord to anger most bitterly
.
◦
They have made molten images of their silver
.
◦
They have forgotten the Lord
.
•
Consequences of Unfaithfulness: The Lord threatens to punish Israel for their unfaithfulness and idolatry
.
◦
The Lord says he will strip her naked, make her as a wilderness, and slay her with thirst
.
◦
The Lord will take away his provisions from her, including corn, wine, wool, and flax
.
◦
The Lord will cause her mirth to cease and destroy her vines and fig trees
.
•
The Lord will cause the land to mourn, and the people will languish
.
•
The Lord will change their glory into shame
.
•
They will commit whoredom and not increase because they have left off taking heed to the Lord
. * The Lord will punish them for their ways.
•
The Lord will cause them to fall
. * The Lord will make them desolate. * The Lord says they have sown the wind and will reap the whirlwind. * The Lord says they will return to Egypt and eat unclean things in Assyria. * The Lord will remember their iniquity and visit their sins. * The Lord says he will bereave them and that they will be wanderers among the nations. * The Lord will break down their altars and spoil their images. * The Lord will send fire upon their cities. * The Lord will not have mercy upon them, nor deliver them. * The Lord will destroy them.
•
The Lord's Enduring Love and Redemption: Despite Israel's unfaithfulness and the pronouncements of judgment, Hosea's prophecy also emphasizes the Lord's enduring love and his desire for reconciliation
.
◦
The Lord says he will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably to her
.
◦
The Lord will give her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope
.
◦
He will betroth her to Him in righteousness, judgment, lovingkindness, and mercies
.
◦
The Lord will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy, and say to those who were not his people, "Thou art my people;" and they will say, "Thou art my God"
.
•
The Lord states that He will heal their backsliding and love them freely
. * The Lord says He will be like the dew to Israel, and that they will grow as the lily and cast forth roots as Lebanon.
•
Call to Repentance: Hosea urges Israel to return to the Lord, acknowledging their sins and seeking His mercy
.
◦
The Lord implores the people to break up their fallow ground and seek him
.
◦
The Lord asks Ephraim and Judah what he should do with them, and states that He desires mercy, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings
.
◦
The people are called to take with them words and turn to the Lord, asking Him to take away all iniquity
.
•
Critique of Ritualism: Hosea criticizes the empty rituals and sacrifices of the people, emphasizing that the Lord desires genuine repentance, mercy, and knowledge of God rather than outward religious acts
. The Lord states that they sacrifice flesh, but He does not accept it.
•
Ephraim and Judah: Hosea often addresses Ephraim (representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom) separately, indicating that both have strayed from God, although Judah is sometimes portrayed more favorably
.
◦
The Lord says that He will have mercy on the house of Judah
.
◦
The Lord states that though Israel plays the harlot, Judah should not offend
.
◦
The Lord says he will be as a moth to Ephraim, and to the house of Judah as rottenness
.
◦
The Lord says He has a controversy with Judah and will punish Jacob
.
◦
Judah is said to rule with God and is faithful with the saints
.
•
Idolatry and False Gods: Hosea’s prophecy condemns the worship of idols and false gods, such as Baalim, and the reliance on physical objects, like stocks and staffs, for guidance
.
•
Social Injustice: The prophecy also addresses the social injustices and moral decay prevalent in Israel, including dishonesty, violence, and oppression
.
◦
There is no truth, mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land
.
◦
They lie, kill, steal, and commit adultery
.
◦
The priests murder in the way by consent and commit lewdness
.
◦
They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies
.
◦
They are all adulterers
.
◦
They have devoured their judges, and all their kings have fallen
.
•
Historical Context: Hosea's prophecy references historical events and places, including Egypt, Assyria, Gilgal, and Gibeah, to illustrate the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the Lord's past dealings with them
. The prophet's own marriage to Gomer, a "wife of whoredoms," and the birth of their "children of whoredoms" serves as a living analogy of this relationship
.
Key aspects of this characterization include:
•
Unfaithfulness: Israel is depicted as a spouse who has "played the harlot," going after other "lovers" (false gods) and believing that they provide for her needs
. This is considered spiritual adultery. The people are said to have forgotten the Lord. They are also accused of dealing treacherously against the Lord.
•
Provision and Ingratitude: Despite the Lord's provision of "corn, and wine, and oil" and multiplied "silver and gold," Israel does not acknowledge that these gifts come from Him
. Instead, they attribute their blessings to other gods, demonstrating a lack of knowledge and ingratitude. The Lord says that they did not know that he gave them these things.
•
Consequences of Unfaithfulness: As a result of their unfaithfulness, the Lord threatens to bring consequences upon Israel, which are communicated through metaphors of stripping her naked, making her a wilderness, and slaying her with thirst
. The Lord declares that He will take away his provisions from her and cause her mirth to cease.
•
Enduring Love and Redemption: Despite Israel’s infidelity, the Lord's love is persistent, and he desires reconciliation. He says that he will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably to her
. He promises to betroth her to Him in righteousness, judgment, lovingkindness, and mercies. The Lord will have mercy on those who had not obtained mercy and will say to those who were not His people, "Thou art my people;" and they will say, "Thou art my God". The Lord also declares that He will heal their backsliding and love them freely.
•
Parent-Child Relationship: The relationship between the Lord and Israel is also characterized as a parent-child relationship, with the Lord having loved Israel since they were a child and calling them his son out of Egypt
. The Lord describes how he taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms and healing them, yet they did not recognize that it was the Lord who was healing them.
•
Call to Return: The book of Hosea includes a plea for Israel to return to the Lord. The Lord implores them to break up their fallow ground and seek Him, desiring mercy and knowledge of God rather than sacrifice
. The people are called to take with them words and turn to the Lord, asking him to take away all iniquity.
•
Critique of Empty Rituals: The Lord criticizes the empty rituals and sacrifices performed by the people
. He emphasizes that he desires genuine repentance and a true knowledge of Him, rather than outward acts of religious observance. They are said to sacrifice flesh, but the Lord does not accept it.
•
Broken Covenant: Israel's actions are described as a transgression of the covenant that they made with the Lord
. They have rejected knowledge of God and forgotten His law. They have sown the wind, and will reap the whirlwind.
•
Judgment: The Lord describes a number of ways that He will punish them for their unfaithfulness. He says that He will cause the land to mourn, and the people will languish, and will change their glory into shame
. They will commit whoredom and not increase because they have left off taking heed to the Lord. The Lord will punish them for their ways, and cause them to fall. The Lord will make them desolate, and they will be wanderers among the nations. The Lord will break down their altars and spoil their images. He will send fire upon their cities, and will not have mercy upon them, nor deliver them.
In summary, Hosea characterizes the relationship between the Lord and Israel as a complex and emotionally charged dynamic, defined by Israel's unfaithfulness, the Lord's enduring love, and a constant call to repentance and reconciliation
. God states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". Because they have forgotten the law of God, He will also forget their children. God declares that they are not his people, and he will not be their God
.
•
Punishment and Destruction: The Lord threatens to "hedge up" their way with thorns and make a wall, so they cannot find their paths
. The Lord says he will strip her naked and make her like a wilderness. The Lord will cause all her mirth to cease and destroy her vines and fig trees. God will take away his provisions from her, such as corn and wine. He says that he will not have mercy on her children, who are children of whoredoms. The Lord says that he will punish them for their ways. He declares that he will send a fire upon their cities. God will break the bow of Israel. He says that he will tear and go away, and none shall rescue. The land will mourn, and everyone who dwells there will languish.
•
Political Instability and Loss of Sovereignty: Hosea indicates that because they have set up kings and princes not by God, they will experience political instability
. Their kings will fall, and there will be none among them that calls on God. Ultimately, they will be swallowed up among the Gentiles. The Lord will cause the kingdom of Israel to cease. They will be oppressed and broken in judgment.
•
Social and Moral Decay: Idolatry leads to a breakdown of social and moral values within Israel
. There is no truth, mercy, or knowledge of God in the land. The people are engaged in swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and adultery. The people are said to commit whoredom continually. They are as adulterers, and have devoured their judges.
•
Spiritual Blindness and Deception: The people's hearts are led astray by "the spirit of whoredoms"
. The Lord says, "they have not known the Lord". Because they have left off to take heed to the Lord, they shall commit whoredom and not increase. They seek counsel at their stocks and their staff declares it to them.
•
Economic Hardship: Hosea suggests that their idolatrous practices will lead to economic hardship. The floor and winepress shall not feed them, and their new wine will fail
. They will sow the wind and reap the whirlwind, with no stalk and no meal produced. They will eat, but not have enough. Strangers will devour their strength. The people have loved a reward on every corn floor.
•
Exile and Dispersion: As a consequence of their turning away from God, they will not dwell in the Lord’s land, but will return to Egypt and eat unclean things in Assyria
. They will be wanderers among the nations. The Lord says that he will gather them, and they will sorrow for the burden of the king of princes. Ephraim will return to Egypt.
•
Rejection of Their Sacrifices: The people's sacrifices are not pleasing to God because of their idolatry. They sacrifice flesh, but God does not accept it
. Their sacrifices will be as bread of mourners. The Lord says he desires mercy and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
•
Loss of Identity and Purpose: The people's pursuit of idols has resulted in a loss of identity and purpose, causing them to be like an empty vine that brings forth fruit for itself
. The Lord says that Israel is swallowed up and is among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein there is no pleasure. They are like a cake not turned. They have forgotten their maker.
•
Shame and Derision: The Lord says that he will change their glory into shame
. They will be ashamed because of their sacrifices. The princes of Judah will be like those who remove the bound, and the Lord will pour out his wrath on them like water. The Lord will punish them for their ways. The princes will fall by the sword because of the rage of their tongue, and this will be their derision in the land of Egypt.
Key aspects of this comparison include:
•
Spiritual Adultery: Just as adultery is the violation of the marriage bond, Israel's turning to other gods is considered spiritual adultery
. The people are described as having "committed great whoredom" by departing from the Lord. They are said to have "played the harlot," going after other "lovers" and believing that these false gods provide for their needs.
•
Betrayal of Trust: In a marriage, spouses are meant to be faithful to one another. Similarly, Israel has betrayed the trust and loyalty that they owe to God. Hosea states that Israel has dealt treacherously against the Lord
.
•
Ingratitude: The Lord accuses Israel of going after lovers, believing they provide for her needs, when it was the Lord who gave her "corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold"
. She did not know that these things came from Him. The Lord says, "she that conceived them hath done shamefully".
•
Consequences of Infidelity: In marriage, adultery breaks the relationship and trust. Likewise, Israel’s unfaithfulness has severe consequences. The Lord threatens to punish Israel for their unfaithfulness
. He says that he will strip her naked, make her like a wilderness, and slay her with thirst. He will take away his provisions from her, such as corn and wine, and cause all her mirth to cease. He will not have mercy on her children, because they are children of whoredoms.
•
Desire for Return: In a marriage, a spouse who has been unfaithful may eventually turn back to their original partner, expressing a desire for reconciliation. Similarly, Israel is called to return to the Lord
. The Lord says that she will follow after her lovers but will not find them. She will then say, "I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now". The Lord will allure her, bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her. He will betroth her to Him in righteousness and lovingkindness. He will say to those who were not his people, "Thou art my people," and they shall say, "Thou art my God".
•
Children of Whoredoms: The children of Hosea and Gomer are called "children of whoredoms", which mirrors the idea that Israel, in its unfaithfulness, produces offspring that are not aligned with God's covenant
.
•
Rejection of God's Provision: The "harlot" seeks provision from her lovers instead of from her husband; likewise, Israel seeks provision from other gods instead of from the Lord
.
•
Shameful Behavior: Just as a wife's adultery is shameful, so too is Israel's idolatry. It is described as a shameful act
. The Lord says that he will change their glory into shame. This indicates a shift from judgment to a more intimate and compassionate approach, where God seeks to win back Israel's affection.
•
Giving Vineyards and the Valley of Achor: The Lord promises, "I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope"
. This symbolizes a return to prosperity and a renewed hope for the future.
•
Restoring the Relationship: God declares that "thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali"
. This is significant because "Ishi" means "my husband," while "Baali" means "my master," indicating a move toward a more loving, intimate relationship rather than one based solely on power and authority. The Lord also states, "I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD". He promises, "I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God".
•
Renewing the Covenant: God promises, "in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely"
. This indicates a restoration of harmony between God's people and all of creation.
•
Healing and Restoration: God says, "Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up"
. This suggests that despite the past pain and judgment, God is ready to heal their wounds and restore their well-being. He also says, "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him". The Lord promises, "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon".
•
Gathering and Returning: God promises to gather the children of Judah and the children of Israel together
. He says they will come up out of the land. He says, "They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon". God says that they will tremble like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of Assyria, and the Lord will place them in their houses.
•
Forgiveness and Mercy: Despite the people's sins, God offers forgiveness and mercy: "Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously"
. He says, "in thee the fatherless findeth mercy". God says, "I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy". God declares that he desires mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
•
A Future of Abundance and Security: The Lord will sow Israel to Himself in the earth
. They will "revive as the corn, and grow as the vine". The people will lie down safely. God says, "from me is thy fruit found"
No comments:
Post a Comment