The Book of Hosea: Chapter 4

Chapter 4 is a series of consequences foretold by the Lord for Israel. We should understand that these are consequences brought upon Israel by themselves, just as we sin and bring upon us those consequences. The Savior will be as merciful to us all as He possibly can be, but justice will also need to be served.

Special Note: Often when Judah and Ephraim are the only two tribes mentioned, the reference is to the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim or Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Though all of the tribes are involved they are often referred to as two groups because the line was naturally drawn this way when each tribe took sides.

Verse 3

Hosea tells Israel because of their wickedness "the land shall mourn and everyone that dwelleth therein shall languish". We can also see this when we read Leviticus chapter 26 and Deuteronomy chapter 28. The Israelites were told that their wickedness would come back to haunt them in the form of spiritual and temporal hardships. This is also the case for us. It doesn't mean that bad things won't happen to good people, and vice versa, but generally speaking there is a relationship between sin and consequences. Consequences not felt in this life, whether good or bad, will be had in the next life.

Verse 8

In this verse the Lord says that the priests "eat up the sin of my people and they set their heart on their iniquity". This means that the priests delighted in the iniquities of the people and hoped they would do more sinning. They did this because in Leviticus 6:26 we see that the priests were commanded to eat the flesh of the sacrifice to wipe away the sins of the people. The priests delighted in the sin of the people because they hoped to be continually fed by the good sacrificial meat.

Verse 12

Stocks and Staffs: The Lord points out that the people ask council of the stocks and staffs. Stocks were small wooden idols used in idolatrous worship and staffs were diving rods used to see the future. They did not pray for guidance. They did not search the scriptures. They did not fast to get themselves more in tune with the spirit. Instead, they sought these other methods and other gods for counsel.

Verse 13

The sacrifices "upon the mountaintops" is describing pagan alters.

Verse 16

Hosea first calls Israel a backsliding heifer. This is easy enough to understand since it is literally like a stubborn heifer that refuses to follow when led. The heifer pulls back and digs in her feet to make pulling her difficult. Israel was doing this with the Lord by resisting His gospel and His righteousness. "A lamb in a large place" is symbolic of Israel. A lamb in a large place is unprotected and prone to predators. Israel would be left alone and also prone to conquering armies because of her transgressions.