Project 119: Hosea 11:12-12:14
| Project 119 | Hayden Walker
As we have seen throughout our study of Hosea, his primary audience was the nation of Israel. This wicked northern kingdom split away from Judah after the death of King Solomon. Perhaps until this point in Hosea’s prophecy, it would seem that the southern kingdom, the people of Judah, were off the hook of judgment. In chapter 12, however, the tide shifts to include the southern kingdom as well. The people of Judah were still walking with God at the time of Hosea’s prophecy (Hosea 11:12), but there would come a time in the next 150 years in which Judah would face the same impending doom as Israel. Thus, Hosea warned Judah that God had an indictment against them (Hosea 12:2). Judah would be held accountable for her sin and apostasy as well.
Why is this an important realization for us? Have you ever walked out into your yard and been appalled at the condition of the turf? Maybe you’ve seen a few dead spots or the weeds appear to be quickly multiplying. Then, let’s say you look over into your neighbor’s yard and it is a wasteland, grown up with weeds, dandelions, and clover. After observing the condition of their yard, perhaps you don’t feel so badly about your own anymore. Instead of pulling the weeds and watering your own thirsty grass, you become disillusioned that your yard is fine since it doesn’t look nearly as rough as your neighbor’s lot.
I believe this same sort of evaluation and apathy is rampant in our human condition regarding our sin. We observe other people and begin to have a warped view of ourselves. We believe that we really aren’t that bad when we hear about or see the sins of other people. The lesson for us today from Hosea 12 is that we must tend to the soil of our own hearts. Judah was blinded by the rampant sin of Israel in a way that prevented the people from acknowledging their own unrighteousness and idolatry. Although the proclamation and judgment against Israel should have served as a stern warning to the southern kingdom, the people of Israel would continue to ignore her own sin and meet the same fate of exile 150 years later. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, let’s take the time today to confess our own sin and “by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God” (Hosea 12:6, ESV).
Hosea 11:12-
Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit,
but Judah still walks with God
and is faithful to the Holy One.
Ephraim feeds on the wind
and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
they make a covenant with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.
The LORD’s Indictment of Israel and Judah
2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah
and will punish Jacob according to his ways;
he will repay him according to his deeds.
3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel,
and in his manhood he strove with God.
4 He strove with the angel and prevailed;
he wept and sought his favor.
He met God at Bethel,
and there God spoke with us—
5 the LORD, the God of hosts,
the LORD is his memorial name:
6 “So you, by the help of your God, return,
hold fast to love and justice,
and wait continually for your God.”
7 A merchant, in whose hands are false balances,
he loves to oppress.
8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich;
I have found wealth for myself;
in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
9 I am the LORD your God
from the land of Egypt;
I will again make you dwell in tents,
as in the days of the appointed feast.
10 I spoke to the prophets;
it was I who multiplied visions,
and through the prophets gave parables.
11 If there is iniquity in Gilead,
they shall surely come to nothing:
in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;
their altars also are like stone heaps
on the furrows of the field.
12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram;
there Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he guarded sheep.
13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt,
and by a prophet he was guarded.
14 Ephraim has given bitter provocation;
so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him
and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.