Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: "There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Hear the word of the LORDThe Hebrew word for "hear" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just listening but also obeying. This call to "hear" is a summons to attention and action, urging the Israelites to heed God's message. The phrase "the word of the LORD" signifies divine authority and truth, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God, the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the importance of Scripture as God's authoritative communication to His people. O children of Israel
This phrase identifies the audience as the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. It highlights their covenant relationship with God, reminding them of their identity as God's chosen people. Historically, Israel's identity was rooted in their unique relationship with Yahweh, which came with both privileges and responsibilities. The call to the "children of Israel" serves as a reminder of their heritage and the expectations that come with it. for the LORD has a case
The Hebrew word for "case" is "רִיב" (riv), which can mean a legal dispute or controversy. This legal terminology suggests that God is bringing a formal charge against His people, akin to a lawsuit. It reflects the covenantal framework in which God holds Israel accountable for their actions. From a conservative viewpoint, this underscores God's justice and righteousness, as He holds His people to the standards of His covenant. against the inhabitants of the land
This phrase broadens the scope of the indictment to include all who dwell in the land, not just the Israelites. It suggests a pervasive moral and spiritual decline affecting the entire society. The "land" here refers to the Promised Land, a place meant to be holy and set apart for God's purposes. The failure of its inhabitants to live according to God's standards is a serious breach of their covenantal obligations. because there is no truth
The absence of "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet) indicates a lack of faithfulness and reliability. Truth is foundational to a just and righteous society, and its absence suggests widespread deceit and corruption. In a biblical context, truth is not just factual accuracy but also faithfulness to God's covenant. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes the importance of truth as a reflection of God's character and a requirement for His people. no loving devotion
The Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed) is often translated as "loving devotion" or "steadfast love." It denotes covenantal loyalty and kindness. The absence of "chesed" indicates a breakdown in relationships, both with God and among the people. This lack of loving devotion reflects a failure to uphold the covenantal love that God expects from His people. In Christian theology, "chesed" is seen as a reflection of God's own faithful love, which His people are called to emulate. and no knowledge of God
The Hebrew word for "knowledge" is "דַּעַת" (da'at), which implies an intimate, experiential understanding rather than mere intellectual awareness. The lack of "knowledge of God" suggests a failure to truly know and understand God's character and will. This ignorance leads to moral and spiritual decay. From a conservative Christian perspective, knowing God is foundational to living a life that honors Him, and this knowledge is cultivated through Scripture, prayer, and obedience. in the land
The phrase "in the land" emphasizes the geographical and spiritual context of the indictment. The land was a gift from God, meant to be a place where His people could live out their covenantal relationship with Him. The moral and spiritual failures occurring "in the land" are a direct violation of the purpose for which it was given. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's ways. Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Hosea's ministry was marked by his call to speak against the spiritual adultery of Israel. 2. Children of IsraelThe descendants of Jacob, representing the Northern Kingdom, who were in a covenant relationship with God but had turned away from Him. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is bringing a legal case against His people for their unfaithfulness. 4. Inhabitants of the LandThe people living in Israel who are being accused of lacking truth, loving devotion, and knowledge of God. 5. The LandRefers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was experiencing moral and spiritual decay. Teaching Points The Importance of TruthTruth is foundational to a relationship with God. Without truth, society crumbles, and spiritual decay sets in. Loving Devotion (Hesed)The Hebrew word "hesed" implies steadfast love and mercy. Our relationship with God should be marked by faithful love and commitment. Knowledge of GodKnowing God goes beyond intellectual understanding; it involves a deep, personal relationship and obedience to His will. God's Legal CaseGod holds His people accountable. We must examine our lives to ensure we are living in accordance with His standards. Call to RepentanceRecognizing our shortcomings should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the absence of truth, loving devotion, and knowledge of God look like in today's society, and how can we address it? 2. How does the concept of "hesed" challenge our understanding of love and commitment in our relationship with God and others? 3. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper knowledge of God in our daily lives? 4. How does understanding God's legal case against Israel help us comprehend His expectations for His people today? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a lack of truth or knowledge of God in your life. How did you overcome it, and what scriptures helped guide you? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-17The Ten Commandments highlight the covenantal expectations of truth, love, and knowledge of God, which Israel failed to uphold. Isaiah 1:2-4Similar to Hosea, Isaiah speaks of God's case against His people for their rebellion and lack of understanding. Jeremiah 4:22Jeremiah echoes the theme of Israel's lack of knowledge of God, emphasizing their foolishness and lack of understanding. Amos 8:11-12Amos prophesies a famine of hearing the words of the LORD, which connects to the absence of knowledge of God in Hosea. Romans 1:18-32Paul describes the consequences of rejecting the truth and knowledge of God, paralleling the spiritual state of Israel in Hosea. People HoseaPlaces Beth-aven, Gilgal, JezreelTopics Acknowledgment, Bring, Case, Cause, Charge, Controversy, Ear, Faith, Faithfulness, Goodness, Indeed, Inhabitants, Kindness, Listen, Love, Mercy, O, Sons, Strife, TruthDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 4:1 1431 prophecy, OT methods
1690 word of God
6183 ignorance, of God
8251 faithfulness, to God Hosea 4:1-2 6242 adultery
7233 Israel, northern kingdom
8715 dishonesty, and God Hosea 4:1-3 5201 accusation
5926 rebuke
7259 promised land, later history
8764 forgetting God Library 'Let Him Alone'
'Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.'--HOSEA iv. 17. The tribe of Ephraim was the most important member of the kingdom of Israel; consequently its name was not unnaturally sometimes used in a wider application for the whole of the kingdom, of which it was the principal part. Being the 'predominant partner,' its name was used alone for that of the whole firm, just as in our own empire, we often say 'England,' meaning thereby the three kingdoms: England, Scotland, and Ireland. So 'Ephraim' here …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
1. His Early Years.--Ephraim, according to this biography, was a Syrian of Mesopotamia, by birth, and by parentage on both sides. His mother was of Amid (now Diarbekr) a central city of that region; his father belonged to the older and more famous City of Nisibis, not far from Amid but near the Persian frontier, where he was priest of an idol named Abnil (or Abizal) in the days of Constantine the Great (306-337). This idol was afterwards destroyed by Jovian (who became Emperor in 363 after the …
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian Instruction for the Ignorant:
BEING A SALVE TO CURE THAT GREAT WANT OF KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SO MUCH REIGNS BOTH IN YOUNG AND OLD. PREPARED AND PRESENTED TO THEM IN A PLAIN AND EASY DIALOGUE, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF THE WEAKEST. 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'--Hosea 4:6 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This little catechism is upon a plan perfectly new and unique. It was first published as a pocket volume in 1675, and has been republished in every collection of the author's works; and recently in a separate tract. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Of Orders.
Of this sacrament the Church of Christ knows nothing; it was invented by the church of the Pope. It not only has no promise of grace, anywhere declared, but not a word is said about it in the whole of the New Testament. Now it is ridiculous to set up as a sacrament of God that which can nowhere be proved to have been instituted by God. Not that I consider that a rite practised for so many ages is to be condemned; but I would not have human inventions established in sacred things, nor should it be …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." You know there are two principal things in the preceding verse,--the privilege of a Christian, and the property or character of a Christian. He is one that never enters into condemnation; He that believeth shall not perish, John iii. 15. And then he is one that walks not after the flesh, though he be in the flesh, but in a more elevate way above men, after the guiding and leading …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Doctrine
OF THE LAW AND GRACE UNFOLDED; OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING THE LAW AND GRACE; THE NATURE OF THE ONE, AND THE NATURE OF THE OTHER; SHOWING WHAT THEY ARE, AS THEY ARE THE TWO COVENANTS; AND LIKEWISE, WHO THEY BE, AND WHAT THEIR CONDITIONS ARE, THAT BE UNDER EITHER OF THESE TWO COVENANTS: Wherein, for the better understanding of the reader, there are several questions answered touching the law and grace, very easy to be read, and as easy to be understood, by those that are the sons of wisdom, the children …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 4:1 NIVHosea 4:1 NLTHosea 4:1 ESVHosea 4:1 NASBHosea 4:1 KJV
Hosea 4:1 Commentaries
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