Year 9, Day 209: Hosea 9

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Hosea 9 is a dark chapter, revealing the depth of pain that can exist in humanity.  The speaker in this chapter calls out to God in a voice of vengeance.  The author of this chapter gives voice to his confidence that God will judge.

The author calls out to God and asks that God give them miscarrying wombs.  He asks that their breasts be dry.  In other words, he is calling for the evil generations to be put to an end.  He asks that the Hebrew people in Israel be judged for their sinfulness.

To make matters worse, the prophet is confident about his position.  In the concluding verse, the author says that “My God will reject them because they have not listened to Him.”  The prophet Hosea is convinced that his position is warranted and justifiable.

What can we learn here?  First of all, human beings who are wronged have long memories.  In fact, not only are memories long but they tend to fester and focus over time unless there is intervention.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Hosea is wrong.  Clearly God does bring the Hebrew people under judgment through the Assyrian army.  The prophet is correct in his assertiveness and his confidence.  But it does go to show that human ire once aroused is a powerful thing.

What else can we learn?  God’s judgment doesn’t come for a simple reason.  The Hebrew people proved themselves wrong.  The Hebrew people hurt others.  They Hebrew people walked away from God.  The Hebrew people did enough against righteousness to warrant this kind of call out to God for vengeance.  People are watching what we do.  God is watching what we do.  That isn’t meant in a creepy way, but it is meant as a meaningful reminder.  God is aware of our actions and the fruit of who we are.

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