“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.