Hosea 6:1-11

     Hosea 6:1-3 opens with words of repentance toward God, which, on the surface, appear sincere. However, considering the Lord’s reply in Hosea 6:4-11, it seems their cry is superficial, as the Lord charges them with ephemeral loyalty (vss. 4-6), breaking the Mosaic covenant (vs. 7), murder by citizens and priests (vss. 8-9), and idolatry (vs. 10). The theme of the chapter is God’s disappointment over Israel’s ephemeral loyalty (Hos. 6:4).

     Hosea opens with words of repentance from the people of Israel in which they said, “Come, let us return to the LORD” (Hos. 6:1), believing He will restore and revive them within a few days (Hos. 6:2). They also said, “So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth” (Hos. 6:3). It would seem on the surface that their cry is sincere; however, the Lord knows them better than they know Him, and expresses His frustration with them (Hos. 6:4a), and reveals they lack the humility and integrity necessary to sustain their words. The Lord declared of them, “Your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early” (Hos. 6:4b). God declares His judgment upon them is certain, saying, “Therefore I have hewn them in pieces by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; and the judgments on you are like the light that goes forth” (Hos. 6:5). Having revealed their faults and His pending judgment, the Lord then reveals what He values, saying, “I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). But Israel had failed to be loyally obedient to God, and, like Adam, were guilty of breaking His commands and violating the Mosaic Covenant (Hos. 6:7). Citing specific violations, the Lord references the cities of Gilead and Shechem, which were supposed to be cities of refuge (Josh. 20:1-2, 7-8), but had been turned into places of murder and sexual immorality, not only by its citizens, but by the priests, who should have been promoting God’s Word and holy living rather than being guilty of murder (Hos. 6:8-9). All this sinful behavior was born out of Israel’s spiritual harlotry, having turned to idols rather than God (Hos. 6:10). God promised a harvest of judgment for Judah as well (Hos. 6:11), but this would come nearly two centuries later (586 B.C.). God’s judgment on Israel (and Judah) could have been avoided if they’d been loyal to keep fellowship with Him and obey His Word; for God wanted their obedience above all else.