Hosea - Chapter 4

Hosea 4.1 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. Hosea 4.2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Hosea 4.3 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. Hosea 4.4 Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. Hosea 4.5 Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother. Hosea 4.6 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. Hosea 4.7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. Hosea 4.8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. Hosea 4.9 And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. Hosea 4.10 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. Hosea 4.11 Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart. Hosea 4.12 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. Hosea 4.13 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. Hosea 4.14 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. Hosea 4.15 Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth. Hosea 4.16 For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place. Hosea 4.17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. Hosea 4.18 Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye. Hosea 4.19 The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Hosea : Chapter 4

Hosea's Accusations: A Reflection on the Knowledge of God

Hosea chapter 4 begins a series of accusations against Israel, highlighting the consequences of a lack of knowledge of God. This powerful text denounces the widespread moral and spiritual corruption in Israel, focusing particularly on the sins of the priests. It addresses crucial issues such as spiritual ignorance, idolatry, and divine judgment.

The Connection Between Knowledge of God and Ethical Conduct

Hosea 4 establishes a clear connection between the knowledge of God and ethical conduct. This connection is essential for understanding the nature of the accusations leveled against the people of Israel. Let's reflect together on five biblical passages that shed light on the fundamental principles of this difficult chapter.

Enlightening Bible Passages

Romans 1:28-32: "And because they despised the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a reprehensible mind, compelling them to do what they ought not to do." - Paul here describes the consequences of abandoning God, echoing the themes of Hosea 4 about Israel's judgment for its unfaithfulness.

Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires: to do justice, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God." - This verse summarizes what God expects of His people, contrasting it with the unfaithfulness described in Hosea 4.

Jeremiah 5:30-31: "A terrible and astonishing thing has happened in this land: the prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love these things. But what will you do when all this is over?" - Jeremiah here describes the corruption of religious leaders, similar to the accusation made in Hosea 4.

Amos 8:11: "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign Lord, "when I will send a famine throughout this land; not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a hunger and a thirst to hear the words of the Lord." - Amos prophesies a lack of knowledge of God, a theme that also appears in Hosea 4:6.

2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. Instead, having itching ears, they will gather together teachers according to their own desires. They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn to myths." - Paul warns here of a future time of apostasy, echoing the themes of Hosea 4 about falling away from the true knowledge of God.

Conclusion

As we meditate on these passages, we are called to renew our commitment to the knowledge of God and to be vigilant in our ethical conduct. Hosea's words still resonate today, urging us to live in the light of divine truth.