His Kingdom is sure to come ~ Bob Caldwell

Hosea 10:1-14:9 14:4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. The contrast between how far Israel had fallen and how far God will go to raise them back up continues here in chapters 10-14. Their fallen condition has become so severe that the judgment awaiting them is like the deadly poison of hemlock that springs up among their food crops (10:4). Their refusal to repent and avert judgment in light of the gracious, open door God had extended to them reveals just how blinded sin can make us. For those who would turn away from sin and begin to sow righteousness, God promises mercy that will both forgive our past and enable us to walk into a place full of the fruit that results from seeking and knowing God (10:12). God openly expresses His love as a nurturing Father, One who struggles deeply with the tragic consequences that await His children (11:1-8). He seeks to remind us of our spiritual heritage in the hope of proving the riches that await those who repent. Our heritage includes godly men such as Jacob, who struggled and wept in his effort to experience the grace of God. We are promised that same grace and help from God if we are willing to return to our Father in Heaven (12:1-6). God even gives us the words to say that will open the way of repentance. He tells us to ask Him to take away our sins and to receive us back in grace. If we will commit to turning our backs on our foolish confidence in anything but God, He promises to heal our unfaithful and weak hearts by His free and abundant love for us. The promised result of this love is completely amazing. When touched by His love, God likens the results to a beautiful lily or a strong tree whose roots go deep into the soil of His love. His love will broaden our lives much as a tree spreads its branches. The beauty and fragrance of new life will be the world in which He gives us to live. This unequalled kindness is not found anywhere else. There is no philosophy, religion, or effort of man that can ever produce it. It is God and God alone as revealed in His word. And, tragically, although unequalled in glory, His kindness is often met with unequalled disregard. God help us to see. God help us to repent.
Hosea 10:1-14:9 Israel's Sin and Captivity 1 Israel empties his vine; He brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased the altars; According to the bounty of his land They have embellished his sacred pillars. 2 Their heart is divided; Now they are held guilty. He will break down their altars; He will ruin their sacred pillars. 3 For now they say, "We have no king, Because we did not fear the LORD. And as for a king, what would he do for us?" 4 They have spoken words, Swearing falsely in making a covenant. Thus judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field. 5 The inhabitants of Samaria fear Because of the calf of Beth Aven. For its people mourn for it, And its priests shriek for it— Because its glory has departed from it. 6 The idol also shall be carried to Assyria As a present for King Jareb. Ephraim shall receive shame, And Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel. 7 As for Samaria, her king is cut off Like a twig on the water. 8 Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, Shall be destroyed. The thorn and thistle shall grow on their altars; They shall say to the mountains, "Cover us!" And to the hills, "Fall on us!" 9 "O Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah; There they stood. The battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity Did not overtake them. 10 When it is My desire, I will chasten them. Peoples shall be gathered against them When I bind them for their two transgressions. 11 Ephraim is a trained heifer That loves to thresh grain; But I harnessed her fair neck, I will make Ephraim pull a plow. Judah shall plow; Jacob shall break his clods." 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. 13 You have plowed wickedness; You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, Because you trusted in your own way, In the multitude of your mighty men. 14 Therefore tumult shall arise among your people, And all your fortresses shall be plundered As Shalman plundered Beth Arbel in the day of battle— A mother dashed in pieces upon her children. 15 Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethel, Because of your great wickedness. At dawn the king of Israel Shall be cut off utterly. Hosea 11God's Continuing Love for Israel 1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. 2 As they called them, So they went from them; They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to carved images. 3 "I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; But they did not know that I healed them. 4 I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them. 5 "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him. 8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. 9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror. 10 "They shall walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, Then His sons shall come trembling from the west; 11 They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, Like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses," Says the LORD. God's Charge Against Ephraim 12 "Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. Hosea 12 1 "Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, And oil is carried to Egypt. 2 "The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds He will recompense him. 3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, And in his strength he struggled with God. 4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, And there He spoke to us— 5 That is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name. 6 So you, by the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, And wait on your God continually. 7 "A cunning Canaanite! Deceitful scales are in his hand; He loves to oppress. 8 And Ephraim said, ' Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; In all my labors They shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.' 9 "But I am the LORD your God, Ever since the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, As in the days of the appointed feast. 10 I have also spoken by the prophets, And have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets." 11 Though Gilead has idols— Surely they are vanity— Though they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal, Indeed their altars shall be heaps in the furrows of the field. 12 Jacob fled to the country of Syria; Israel served for a spouse, And for a wife he tended sheep. 13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, And by a prophet he was preserved. 14 Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly; Therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, And return his reproach upon him. Hosea 13Relentless Judgment on Israel 1 When Ephraim spoke, trembling, He exalted himself in Israel; But when he offended through Baal worship, he died. 2 Now they sin more and more, And have made for themselves molded images, Idols of their silver, according to their skill; All of it is the work of craftsmen. They say of them, "Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!" 3 Therefore they shall be like the morning cloud And like the early dew that passes away, Like chaff blown off from a threshing floor And like smoke from a chimney. 4 "Yet I am the LORD your God Ever since the land of Egypt, And you shall know no God but Me; For there is no savior besides Me. 5 I knew you in the wilderness, In the land of great drought. 6 When they had pasture, they were filled; They were filled and their heart was exalted; Therefore they forgot Me. 7 "So I will be to them like a lion; Like a leopard by the road I will lurk; 8 I will meet them like a bear deprived of her cubs; I will tear open their rib cage, And there I will devour them like a lion. The wild beast shall tear them. 9 "O Israel, you are destroyed, But your helpis from Me. 10 I will be your King; Where is any other, That he may save you in all your cities? And your judges to whom you said, ' Give me a king and princes'? 11 I gave you a king in My anger, And took him away in My wrath. 12 "The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; His sin is stored up. 13 The sorrows of a woman in childbirth shall come upon him. He is an unwise son, For he should not stay long where children are born. 14 "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes." 15 Though he is fruitful among his brethren, An east wind shall come; The wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness. Then his spring shall become dry, And his fountain shall be dried up. He shall plunder the treasury of every desirable prize. 16 Samaria is held guilty, For she has rebelled against her God. They shall fall by the sword, Their infants shall be dashed in pieces, And their women with child ripped open. Hosea 14Israel Restored at Last 1 O Israel, return to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity; 2 Take words with you, And return to the LORD. Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. 3 Assyria shall not save us, We will not ride on horses, Nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, 'You are our gods.' For in You the fatherless finds mercy." 4 "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. 5 I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, And lengthen his roots like Lebanon. 6 His branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree, And his fragrance like Lebanon. 7 Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall be revived like grain, And grow like a vine. Their scentshall be like the wine of Lebanon. 8 "Ephraim shall say, 'What have I to do anymore with idols?' I have heard and observed him. I am like a green cypress tree; Your fruit is found in Me." 9 Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.
Hosea 10:1-14:9 v. 1 Israel empties his vine – Israel is often spoken of in scripture as a good or bad vine (Deut. 32:32, Is. 5:1-7, Eze. 15:1-5, Nahum 2:2). The context of this verse suggests that all the fruitfulness of Israel has been wasted because it has been sacrificed to idols. Altars…sacred pillars – Trappings of Israel's idolatry. Sacred pillars were Canaanite obelisks erected next to pagan altars with special religious significance. This type of worship was forbidden by the Law of Moses (Ex. 23:24, Lev. 26:1, Deut. 16:21-22). v. 2 heart is divided – The people's hearts were fickle and deceitful (Matt. 6:24). He will break down…ruin – Hosea announces that the LORD will destroy Israel's implements of idolatry; probably via invaders from Assyria. v. 3 We have no king – Israel's rejection of the LORD as their king (1 Sam. 12:12, Is. 43:15). They assert also in this verse that there is no advantage of having the LORD as their king. fear the LORD – A serious veneration for God leading to honor, respect, and obedience. Israel had again and again been exhorted to do this since their beginning (Deut. 6:13; Josh. 4:24, 24:14; 1 Sam. 12:14, 24; 2 Kings 17:28). v. 4 hemlock – ro'sh (Heb.) a bitter and poisonous herb v. 5 Samaria – the capitol city of the northern kingdom of Israel the calf of Beth Aven – A condescending expression for the calf gods of Jeroboam, which he also erected at Beth-Aven (Hosea 4:15). Beth-Aven means house of vanity or house of iniquity. v. 6 a present for King Jareb – Israel's cherished idols will become presents for King Jareb of Assyria when he invades them. v. 8 high places – an idolatrous place of worship usually erected upon a high hill or mountain Aven – Aven (Heb.) vanity or wickedness. An abbreviated form of Beth Aven (v. 5). v. 9 the days of Gibeah – Judges 19 describes horrific crimes of perversion and violence in Israel in the days of the Judges that took place in Gibeah. The LORD is saying that Israel's current condition is just as bad as in those days. v. 10 two transgressions – Likely referring to the two golden calves erected by Jeroboam in the north and south of Israel. Or perhaps Israel's departure from the royal line of David and their current condition of extreme idolatry. v. 11 I will make Ephraim pull a plow – The LORD will put Israel to hard labor. This refers to the coming time of exile and captivity in Assyria. Judah – The name of the southern kingdom of Israel. So named after the tribe, which dominates that territory. Jacob – The son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, whose name was changed to Israel (Gen. 32:28). The 12 tribes of Israel are descendants of his 12 sons, therefore Jacob is representative of all of Israel in this case (another way of referring to the northern kingdom as Judah speaks of the south). v. 12 Break up your fallow ground – In keeping with the allegory of Israel as a heifer plowing the soil, God commands Israel to break up the hardened parts of her heart and seek the LORD in righteousness. v. 13 plowed…reaped…fruit of lies – The allegory continues and now relates to the negative sowing and reaping consequences of turning from the LORD. v. 14 tumult – sha'own (Heb.) a rumbling uproar; symbolic of destruction Shalman plundered Beth Arbel – the specific historical event alluded to here is disputed and therefore uncertain v. 15 At dawn – Figuratively speaking of a time near and quickly approaching. Hosea 11 v. 1 When Israel was a child I loved him – God remembers His tender love for Israel, when He brought them out of Egypt more than 500 years before Hosea's time. out of Egypt I called My son – Matthew 2:15 quotes this as an unexpected prophecy fulfilled in the life of Jesus upon His return from Egypt after escaping there on the eve of Herod's massacre of the innocent baby boys. v. 2 Baals…carved images – deities and idols worshipped by Israel in violation of the Law of Moses (Deut. 7:25, 12:3) v. 3 Ephraim – Because Ephraim was the prominent tribe of Israel, the LORD speaks of them as representing all of Israel. The allegory pictures the LORD gently and tenderly raising Israel from childhood as a compassionate father care for his child. v. 4 as those who take the yoke from their neck – The LORD declares that He was as one who took burdens off of Israel's neck and brought healing as He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. v. 5 Egypt…Assyrian – As Israel had been looking to these two nations for alliance and help, the LORD declares with a broken heart that as they were once delivered from one they will again go captive to another. v. 6 their own counsels – their own evil devices and plans in opposition to the LORD v. 7 backsliding – meshuwbah (Heb.) apostasy; turning away. This term is used even today among Christians to describe one who is turning or drifting away from following after the LORD. v. 8 like Admah…Zeboiim – Two cities near Sodom and Gomorrah, which were also destroyed (Deut. 29:23) v. 9 I will not…For I am God, and not man – In spite of Israel's severe unfaithfulness, the LORD refuses to react in fury like a mere man and utterly destroy them as an ordinary man who has been betrayed might. Because He is God, faithful and true, His love endures. v. 10 They shall walk after the LORD – The LORD foresees the day when a remnant of Israel will repent and return to Him. He will roar like a lion – A prophetic depiction of the LORD roaring to make His enemies tremble when He brings back His cubs out of captivity. from the west – the land of Assyria v. 11 come trembling like a bird – Describing Israel's future return from her coming Assyrian captivity as the swift flight of a humble and frightened bird escaping its cage. v. 12 Ephraim…But Judah still walks with God – A comparison of the northern kingdom of Israel's dishonest and unholy lifestyle with that of the southern kingdom of Judah, which was still walking in obedience. Judah still held to the royal line of David in her kings and worshipped God in the Temple at Jerusalem. Hosea 12 v. 1 feeds on the wind…pursues the east wind – A biblical depiction of vanity and emptiness (Ecc. 1:14; 2:11, 17; 4:4, 6). oil – shemen (Heb.) olive oil, also figuratively used to describe richness v. 2 a charge against Judah – The southern kingdom of Judah is not completely innocent and will eventually be punished and sent into captivity in Babylon. Jacob – The son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, whose name was changed to Israel (Gen. 32:28). The 12 tribes of Israel are descendants from his 12 sons, therefore Jacob is representative of all of Israel (in this case another way of referring to the northern kingdom as Judah speaks of the south). v. 3 He took his brother by the heel – A description of Jacob's birth (Gen. 25:26) v. 4 he struggled with the Angel and prevailed – Further description of key events in Jacob's life (Gen. 32:24-28) Bethel – Beyth-'El (Heb.) House of God. Yet another place where Jacob encountered the divine (Gen. 28:10-19). v. 5 God of hosts – An expression used to describe God as the God over all the multitudes (hosts) of created things in heaven and earth. v. 6 wait – qavah (Heb.) look for, hope, expect v. 7 A cunning Canaanite – The Canaanites were traveling merchants skilled in barter and trade. The LORD compares His people to a crafty businessmen looking to gain profit from deceit. Deceitful scales – The merchants of this time used scales to weigh product and coinage. A dishonest merchant would rig his scales to his advantage. v. 8 I have become rich…no iniquity that is sin – an attitude of arrogance, self-sufficiency, and deceit v. 9 I will again make you dwell in tents – God's coming judgment would bring Israel back to the humble beginnings when the nation did not live in rich houses but was totally dependent upon the LORD. As in the days of the appointed feast – The Feast of Tabernacles in which the children of Israel were required to live in humble tents in remembrance of their sojourn in the wilderness before they reached their Promised Land (Lev. 23:34-44, Deut. 16:12-16). v. 10 I have also spoken by the prophets – In reference to the many warnings and ample visions the LORD had given to His people through the years. symbols – parables v. 11 their altars shall be heaps in the furrows – Israel's altars of idolatry will be reduced to piles of stones on the side of the plowed fields. v. 12 Jacob fled – A reminder of Israel's humble beginnings when Jacob (later named Israel (Gen. 32:28)) fled from his brother Esau to Paddan Aram (Gen. 28:2-5) serving Laban seven years for each wife (Gen. 29:20-28) and then continued as Laban's herdsman (Gen. 30:31, 31:41). v. 13 By a prophet – Moses (Num. 12:6-8, Deut. 18:15, 34:10) v. 14 Ephraim provoked – Ephraim's (Israel's) dishonor to God in worshipping idols provoked the LORD to bring about Israel's chastisement. Hosea 13 v. 1 When Ephraim…But when – A comparison of the great contrast between humbling oneself before the LORD and offending the LORD by worshipping idols. The tribe of Ephraim was blessed according to their grandfather Jacob's blessing (Gen. 48:10-20) as long as their people stayed humble before the LORD. But they brought destruction upon themselves when they strayed to worship Baal. v. 2 who sacrifice kiss the calves – A reference to the detestable practice of offering human sacrifices to these golden calves and then further worshipping them with a reverent kiss (1 Kings 19:18). v. 3 morning cloud…dew…chaff…smoke – Expressions of temporality. Allegorical language to describe the fate of Israel's strength and stability because of her sin. v. 4 Ever since the land of Egypt – The LORD reminds Israel that He has been their true God and deliverer. He reminds them of His great deliverance from bondage in Egypt. no God but Me – a reminder of the first great commandment (Ex. 20:2-3) Savior – yasha` (Heb.) to defend, deliver, rescue, liberate v. 5 I knew you in the wilderness – A reminder of God watching over and protecting Israel when she wandered through the dessert (Deut. 2:7, 8:15, 32:10). v. 6 their heart was exalted – The LORD reminds His people that even from their very beginning there was a dangerous and wicked pattern of forgetting God whenever their hearts were satisfied with good things (Deut. 6:10-12, 32:18) v. 7 like a lion…leopard – The LORD compares Himself to a cunning predator who will hunt Israel unaware. v. 8 like a bear deprived of her cubs – The bear is fiercest and most dangerous when protecting her cubs. Her attack in these times is brutal and relentless. v. 9 But your help is from Me – Even in the face of the most devastating judgment the LORD reminds Israel that He is their help if they would just turn to Him. v. 10 Where is any other – A rhetorical question, i.e. Can any one else save like I can ? v. 11 I gave you a king in My anger – When Israel first asked for a king it was against the LORD's will, but He gave them a king (Saul) in anger to teach them a lesson (1 Sam. 8:7-9, 10:19, 12:13). v. 12 bound up…stored up – Israel's sins have been collected and stored away for future punishment. v. 13 The sorrows of a woman in childbirth – Labor pains often come unexpectedly, are intense, and increase in their pain and duration. In this same way, judgment will come upon Israel. should not stay long – Allegory: When Israel had opportunity deliver himself from judgment by repentance, he instead brought ruin on himself by resisting a new birth unto repentance, so like a child whose mother has no strength to deliver, the baby remains so long in the passage from the womb as to run the risk of death (2 Kings 19:3, Is. 37:3, 66:9). v. 14 I will ransom – The LORD's promise of redeeming Israel from her ultimate annihilation. Paul quoted this passage applying it to the Christian's personal resurrection (1 Cor. 15:55). v. 15 east wind – Both Assyria and Babylon were to the east and would eventually, each in their turn, become the wind of the LORD of judgment over Israel and then Judah. Plunder…treasury of every desirable prize – Every precious thing Israel possessed would be plundered and carried away. v. 16 Samaria…guilty – The capitol and royal city of the northern kingdom of Israel will be held responsible for the atrocities of judgment in receiving the consequences of Israel's sin. Infants…ripped open – One of the many horrific atrocities invading nations of this time would commit would be to ruthlessly kill children and rip open the wombs of pregnant women (2 Kings 8:12, 15:16; Amos 1:13). Hosea 14 v. 1 return to the LORD your God – A gracious and merciful call to repentance. Even in the sight of Israel's great sin the LORD offers hope of forgiveness and restoration. v. 2 Take words with you – God's call to repentance was not complicated. As always, the LORD requires a confession of sin and a humbling of oneself before Him (1 John 1:9). v. 3 in You the fatherless finds mercy – A description of the God who helps the helpless and defends the defenseless. Fatherless – yathowm (Heb.) from an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person, orphan Mercy – racham (Heb.) to love, love deeply, be compassionate, have tender affection for v. 4 I will – A statement of the LORD's intention of continued commitment to His people even in judgment. Heal – rapha' (Heb.) to mend, to cure, repair. In this context referring to the spiritual healing from their waywardness and sin. love freely – The LORD declares that He will love Israel willingly and abundantly (Is. 54:6-8; Jer. 31:3-5). v. 5 I will be like the dew – Here dew is not a symbol of something transitory (6:4, 13:3) but of refreshment and blessing (Ps. 133:3, Is. 26:19). Like the lily – It is said that no plant is more productive than the lily; one root often producing 50 bulbs. Lebanon – The cedar trees of Lebanon at this time were world renown for their high quality. The roots of these great trees are firm, strong, and deep (Ps. 104:16; Is. 2:13, 14:8. v. 6 olive tree – The olive tree is one that never loses its green appearance, bearing an abundance of fruit. fragrance like Lebanon – like the forests of Lebanon; the cedars, trees of frankincense, and other fragrant trees and plants, which grew therein v. 7 under his shadow – in the protective shade of the LORD's benevolent care (Lam. 4:20) shall return – a return to the Promised Land after the coming exile in Assyria the wine of Lebanon – Like the wine of those vines that grew on Mount Lebanon, judged to be the best. These wines were the most celebrated for their aroma, flavor, and medicinal restorative properties. v. 8 like a green cypress tree – evergreen in winter and summer alike Your fruit is found in Me – The secret of Israel's fruitfulness is the LORD. v. 9 wise – chakam (Heb.) intelligent, skilful or artful Prudent – biyn (Heb.) to generally understand; consider, discern, feel righteous – tsaddiyq (Heb.) just, lawful, blameless, innocent transgressors – pasha` (Heb.) to break away from just authority, i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel.
"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him." –Hosea 14:4 Such words of comfort we read today, Jesus. Our prayer today is for all who have backslidden and are wandering away from You, lost to the darkness. Write these words on their hearts, Lord, and also on the hearts of those of us who need to hear them.