“They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold, they made idols for their own destruction.” (Hosea 8:4)

God’s commentary is rich. First, in an apparent effort to organize themselves, they made kings and set up princes. However, God said it wasn’t through him or His knowledge. In other words, they did this without consulting God or receiving his input or direction. Yikes! That sounds like me. 

Second, they used resources (gold and silver) provided by God to do evil. I assume that, similar to setting up kings, Israel thought setting up the idols was a good thing. Although, given how much God forbid it, I’m not sure how they could have thought it was a good thing. But I’m also not sure why I do some of the things I do.

Third, they surely didn’t realize (or perhaps, care?) that the idolatry would lead to their destruction. 

Again, it is easy to sit so far removed by time and distance and criticize Israel’s actions (which are evil!), But … How often do I do things – without consulting the Lord – that I think will be helpful, but in reality I am inviting the Lord’s judgement. 

Father, please forgive my pride, which has allowed me to think I can handle everything without consulting you. In short, thinking I am enough. Please forgive me for the times those thoughts have led to harming your name or people or my relationship with you. Please help me to be more spiritually minded than I am. Amen.

“But they do not consider that I remember all their evil. Now their deeds surround them; they are before my face.” (Hosea 7:2) 

“Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense, calling to Egypt, going to Assyria.” (11)

Having already read through this history in other books, I sometimes forget that we have gone back in time from Daniel. At this time, the northern kingdom remains in the land, but it is struggling with idolatry. And the Lord is all too aware of their unfaithfulness. Why is it easy to pretend that the Lord is unaware of my sin? 

He is also aware of their geopolitical movements. Rather than turn to the Lord, they seek an alliance with a nearby superpower. Sometimes with Egypt, sometimes with Assyria. Why is it easier to seek earthly help than to trust the Lord?

I’m struggling with the latter point. In the last week. I found out that a few churches that I’m connected to are going to Israel, but with a different company. Both pastors know I lost my primary teaching job and that I do Israel tours. Neither even allowed me to bid on their trips. I have zero trips scheduled for 2026, and my other teachers are struggling to populate their scheduled groups. 

So many things feel like they are caving in. It’s easy to say, “If this church or that church would partner with me,” without looking to the Lord to send me clients. I feel like I’m reasoning like Ephraim (another name for the northern kingdom), “If we can partner with Egypt, we’ll be safe.” 

Father, help me to cry out to you and not just cry. Please help me to find comfort, provision, and protection in you. Amen.

“My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore. They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is good. Therefore, your daughters play the whore, and your brides commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the whore, nor your brides when they commit adultery; for the men themselves go aside with prostitutes and sacrifice with cult prostitutes, and a people without understanding shall come to ruin.” (Hosea 4:12-14)

This is raw. God outlines the problem and the results in plain language. First, he describes the spiritual adultery that leads to physical adultery. Enquiring of sorcerers and sacrificing to idols has real world effects. So does going to prostitutes for worldly pleasure and for “worship.” 

Notice that the behavior of the dads and husbands influences the behavior of the daughters and wives. And God said He would not punish the ladies. (This seems to be an isolated instance.)

The effects, though, are not just for a family, but for the nation. “A people without understanding shall come to ruin.” (14)

Remember: This is what led to the Assyrian invasion and exile. 

Father, help me to see that my sin has a greater impact than on my family alone. Help to guard my heart. Amen.

“And she did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.” (Hosea 2:8)

The imagery in this chapter is impactful, and this verse is devastatingly powerful. Using the imagery of marital unfaithfulness, God paints a picture for Israel to help Israel realize her unfaithfulness. 

What makes this verse painful is the personal disconnect. One party is supplying everything – grain, wine, oil, silver, and gold – and the other party is squandering it on idolatry. 

Imagine a divorced man living in poverty to pay child support to his ex and her new husband, and all that money being used to provide trips and hobbies for the ex’s husband and not the kids. In Hosea’s case, God has given Israel everything, and they are using those blessings to worship Baal! 

Before I slap Israel around, I need to look in the mirror. How many times have I wasted God’s blessings on worldly pleasures? Too many. 

Father, help me be more aware of how I spend your blessings. Help me remember that I go to work with the energy you provided. Amen.