Hosea 8:3 Israel has cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him. In this short sentence we have at once the sin of Israel and his punishment. Consider the various ways in which Israel may be said to have "cast off the thing that is good." I. BY THEIR MURMURINGS. So long as they trusted God's Word, they continued to walk safely. When they began to murmur, Amalek came upon them. II. BY THEIR IDOLATRIES. When God was arranging for their worship, they made and worshipped the golden calves. III. BY THEIR REBELLION. As in their response to the message of the returned spies. Referring to Israel in their later history, we may say — IV. BY THEIR REJECTION OF CHRIST. Because, when Messiah did come, He did not suit their expectations, they despised and rejected Him. And the enemy was not slow in pursuing them. Their city was destroyed, and they were scattered over the earth. This threat is not confined to Israel. It is equally applicable to nations and to individuals now. (N. Ashby.) Parallel Verses KJV: Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.WEB: Israel has cast off that which is good. The enemy will pursue him. |
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