“The princes of Judah have become like those who move the landmark; upon them I will pour out my wrath like water.” (Hosea 5:10)

Landmarks were critical to the orderly function of ancient Israel. They marked tribal inheritance, which was critical for the reset every 50 years at the Jubilee. They also protected the livelihoods of widows and orphans. To move a boundary stone was viewed as evil, something that would draw the Lord’s wrath. 

“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” (Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭28‬)

“Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless,”
‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭10)

“You shall not move your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.” (Deuteronomy‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬)

“’Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor’s landmark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’” (Deuteronomy‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬)

It seems like being called a “marker mover” in those days would have been really bad. I find it interesting that Hosea is focused on the corruption of the northern kingdom, but pauses long enough to point a finger at Judah, as well. Almost, as if to say, “You better not be smiling when they are getting in trouble.” While Judah had a few good kings, the rest of their kings were just as wicked as Israel’s. 

I need to be careful not to dismiss my sin because someone else appears to have more sin. 

Father, please help me to focus on repenting of my own sin and growing in righteousness more than I point at others’ sins. Amen.