“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.
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