Hosea 5 Commentary
There is a reference to one of the many conflicts between the two sister kingdoms, Israel and Judah. Judah’s aggression is condemned and so is Israel’s decision to seek help from Assyria. The two sister kingdoms behaving badly and ungodly!
When godliness disappears, there is a loss of respect for humanity. Judah cannot tell a brother from an enemy! And Israel doesn’t know where her help comes from. There is injustice. Confusion.
They don’t acknowledge the LORD yet they expect their animal sacrifices to do the trick! Spiritual stupidity! We need to check our efforts to appease Heaven through works of righteousness! Rituals such as charity works in the community won’t substitute a reverent acknowledgment of the Creator God.
“Going for help from those who have none to give” is exactly what Israel has done. The military prowess of Assyria means she is capable, or so we think. Who do we consult when the going gets tough? What is the first item on my lips when a crisis strikes? They simply don’t acknowledge the LORD.
“Perhaps in their suffering, they will try to find me.” Verse 15b. It isn’t a celebrated fact every preacher puts on the table as a possible reason for suffering. But here we have it; in black and white. The New Testament reinforces it: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” Romans 20 verses 20 and 21.
Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them. Verse 5. Won’t the world see its many troubles, the many unresolved troubles, and see it in the light of this chapter? Won’t the world realize that there are no solutions in world conferences on climate change, peace, economic growth, or even in economic alliances? Looking for help in places where there is none, the world is guilty.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 