Expositor's Dictionary of Texts Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. Sow to YourselvesHosea 10:12 Our hearts are like a field, and if we neglect them the only crop we can look for is the natural weeds of the soil; but if we get our hearts made clean and then diligently sow to ourselves in righteousness, we may hope for a gracious and holy harvest. I. We are to sow to ourselves. Religion is personal, and our first duty is to look well to ourselves. a. Our own spiritual comfort is of paramount importance. b. In order to sow in righteousness, unrighteousness must be put away. II. What shall we sow? We are to sow in righteousness—that is, we are to cultivate and practise the things which constitute a righteous and godly life. To sow in righteousness— a. We must have simple, earnest faith. b. We must cherish a holy dread of sin. c. We must seek after spiritual knowledge. d. We must cultivate love. e. We must maintain Christian habits. What our habits should be we may easily learn from the Word of God. This sowing in righteousness must be constant. III. If we sow we shall also reap. 'Reap in mercy.' The reaping mercy will be in this world as well as in the next. Religion bears present fruit. a. One result of sowing in righteousness will be strength and stability. b. Another result of righteous sowing will be spiritual comfort and joy. c. We are to reap in mercy—God's infinite everlasting mercy to His children. Mercy for all our need. Mercy for ever. Only sow to yourselves in righteousness, and you shall reap according to mercy—in the life that now is, and in that which is to come. —G. Charlesworth, Sermonic Suggestions, p. 19. Seeking the Lord an Immediate Duty Hosea 10:12 The state of the people of Israel was such that they had need to seek God by repentance and prayer. But the text is equally applicable to all who are not at peace with God. I. A Great and Solemn Duty.—The duty of seeking God is the first and most pressing duty of every sinner. a. The text implies that God has been forsaken, or forgotten. This is true of all who have not repented and come to God. b. Since man, as a sinner, is estranged from God, his duty is to seek God by repentance and prayer. c. Seeking God implies faith in Jesus Christ. d. Only by seeking God can we be delivered from sin and its dreadful consequences. II. It is Time to Seek. e. That it is time to seek the Lord is clear from the plain teaching of Scripture. f. It is time to seek the Lord because much evil has already been committed. g. It is time to seek the Lord because difficulties are increased by delay. h. It is time to seek the Lord because life is so uncertain. —G. Charlesworth, Sermonic Suggestions, p. 22. Cords of a Man Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water.
The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.
And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.
Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off. Nicoll - Expositor's Dictionary of Texts Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub |
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