0

Was God justified in bringing charges against Israel in the prophecy of Hosea, e.g. Hosea 4:16-17; 7:8-9, 11; 10:1; 12:1, 8?

16 The Israelites are stubborn,
    like a stubborn heifer.
How then can the Lord pasture them
    like lambs in a meadow?
17 Ephraim is joined to idols;
    leave him alone!

12 [ae]1 Ephraim feeds on the wind;
    he pursues the east wind all day
    and multiplies lies and violence.
He makes a treaty with Assyria
    and sends olive oil to Egypt.
Hosea 12:1 In Hebrew texts 12:1-14 is numbered 12:2-15.

Hosea 4:16 - 17

ESV - 16 Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn; can the Lord now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture? 17 Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone.

Clarify Share Report Asked September 13 2019 My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

1
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
I would say that the book of Hosea is filled with listings of multiple actions through which Israel had angered God, and which justified His reference to Himself as "having a controversy with" (Hosea 4:1), or "having an indictment against" (Hosea 12:2), the southern kingdom of Judah, as well as the northern kingdom of Israel -- or, as it is frequently called in the book, "Ephraim" (the name of Joseph's younger son).

These included such actions as:

Idolatry/worshipping foreign gods (including having sex with cult prostitutes) 
(Hosea 4:10, 12-14)
Allying with heathen nations (Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9-10)
Not showing faithfulness (Hosea 4:1)
Not showing kindness (Hosea 4:1)
Having no knowledge of God (Hosea 4:1; Hosea 4:6)
Swearing (Hosea 4:2)
Lying (Hosea 4:2)
Killing (Hosea 4:2) 
Stealing (Hosea 4:2)
Committing adultery (Hosea 4:2)
Murder (Hosea 4:2)
Drunkenness (Hosea 4:18)
Pride/smugness/self-satisfaction (Hosea 5:5)
Having children with non-Israelites, and then raising them to worship other
gods (Hosea 5:7)
Making sacrifices to God while ignoring His commandments and laws 
(Hosea 8:11-14)
Making oaths that they did not perform (Hosea 10:4)
Trusting in arms and warriors (rather than God) to protect them (Hosea 10:13-15)

September 17 2019 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining