Hosea 6

There is clearly a connection between Hoses 5 and 6.  Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound and neither would come to the LORD.  Instead they turned to Assyria, the nation God would eventually use to punish Israel.  

But in 6:1-3 we see words that sound right. Words of humility before the LORD, expressing a desire to return to Him to be healed.  The reference to two days and the third day may predict the resurrection of Christ, Israel’s rightful King.  His resurrection and reign are two successive events as far as Israel is concerned, since the intervening age of the Church was a mystery, unknown to them.  It is quite possible this is an amazing passage and prophecy.  But we must ask, who is saying these words?  

·        Did Ephraim say these in Hosea’s day?  There is no indication there was ever a return by Ephraim to the LORD.  The sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat continued in Israel until they were dispersed by the Assyrians. 

·        Did God give these words to Hosea to give to the people so they would know what to say?  Perhaps.  Israel will have its own third day, when they are resurrected.  Ezek. 37:1-14 describes this event.

·        Or did the people hear this from Hosea and in fact say these words hypocritically, as not from the heart?  It is possible that the next paragraph suggests to us that this is how we are to understand this.

In 6:4-6 two similes describe Israel’s faithfulness: a morning cloud and the early dew.  Both suggest something short-lived, a turn to the Lord that did not last long.  Thus God announces judgment through His prophet (v5).  And why?  Because the people worshipped in pretense, with sacrifices and burnt offerings, but with hearts still reflecting a spirit of harlotry; they did not know God nor did they exhibit mercy (remember 4:1: this was the charge against Israel).

This treachery is described clearly in 6:7-11.  It’s the absence/breaking of restraint (4:2).  Gilead was the area east of the Jordan (2½ tribes).  The reference to a city may mean Ramoth in Gilead which was one of the cities of refuge (Deut. 4:43).  That was a city where priests were to protect people from the avenger of blood until they had a proper trial.  Yet even the priests had become thieves and murderers.  Israel was defiled and Judah was not far behind.

You may have recognized Hos. 6:6.  Jesus quoted this in His earthly ministry.  We should have this hidden in our own hearts.  It still tells us about true worship.  It is not bound up in religious actions but in the heart!