Hosea 4:5-8

The nation of Israel was divided by the sons of Solomon and became known as Israel, in the north, and Judah comprised of two tribes, Benjamin and Judah, in the south. The northern tribes quickly became apostate, renouncing their beliefs in favor of the gods of nations around them. They sought military help from Assyria and Egypt when attacked (Hosea 7:11, 12:1), instead of seeking God’s wisdom and knowledge, which had led them out of Egypt in the first place.

Judah, on the other hand, was led for centuries by priests and kings who were true to their faith. Sadly the priests in the north, ignored the God the patriarchs had worshiped: Noah, setting up an altar to worship God who had saved him and his family from a world-wide flood, Abraham with whom the covenant was made, Moses who led the Israelites out of slavery, David whose poems/psalms became historical forms of worship down through millennia of time, Solomon – the wisest man on earth.

Solomon spoke a lot about knowledge. However, in later years the Lord sounded exasperated when He had Hosea record “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. The consequence was God’s judgement on the religious leadership of the day: “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests”. Discipline would be felt by their children also: “because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children” (Hosea 4:6).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). What did Solomon mean? Were the Jews to be terrified of their God just as surrounding nations feared their gods? Google suggests: Fear of god is defined as a deep reverence, awe, and submission to a deity. For those who do not believe, it can mean the fear of divine judgment and eternal separation, while for believers, it signifies a respectful awe that motivates obedience and worship.

The purpose of the book of Proverbs was to teach the young knowledge and discretion (Proverbs 1:4). Throughout, Solomon links knowledge with understanding and wisdom (9:10), discretion and even discipline (12:1). One’s goal might include finding the knowledge of God (2:5) if you are looking to understand human relationships, for example (2:3). “Choose My instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold” (8:10). Then something happens to our innermost being: “Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (2:10).

How many today would like peace of mind? How sad it is then that God seemed to be writing the northern tribes off. “I will pour out My wrath upon you”. Why? “They have deserted the Lord” (4:10) “They [the priests] feed on the sins of My people and relish their wickedness” (4:8). “They are unfaithful to their God” (4:12).

Is this angry God unkind? Unfair? Look at His heart: ”I desire mercy not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings” (6:6). “I long to redeem them” (7:13). “How can I give you up?…My heart is changed within Me; all My compassion is aroused. I will not carry out My fierce anger” (11:8-9a).

These people in their weakness have abused the gift God gave to them – the gift of choice. God, however, must be true to His character, to His love.

We can look at this scripture personally. As we go into a new year, will we tempt the Lord God to bring judgment upon us or will we bring joy to His heart by our obedience to His Holy Word?

Reflection:

God’s compassion and mercy overrule His anger, then and now. God wants to give His people hope. Without the knowledge of the Lord, people have suffered, but God is bringing that season to an end “For I am God – not man. The Holy One among you” (11:9). “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely” (14:4). Surely the written history of God’s faithfulness will bring us the assurance of His love accomplished through Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Praise God! Great is Thy faithfulness!