Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Hosea
by Max Frazier, Jr

THE CASE AGAINST ISRAEL: A CHALLENGE: Hosea 6

In this sixth chapter of Hosea is a record of God's challenge to Israel to return to Him. Remember, that has been His strong desire for them since the very first chapter of this book. But, sadly we also are informed of their response: a life of continual sinning.

It seems that Israel equated being religious with having a relationship with God. We read in verse 6, For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. God's pleasure in us comes not from our practice of religion. It comes from the obedience we have because of our relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Whenever I read this chapter, I am drawn to that great scene in 1 Samuel 15. God had commanded King Saul to totally destroy the Amalekites. Yet he fails in this mission because he kept the Amalekite king alive as well as the best of the livestock. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul replied that he was going to use the livestock as sacrifices to God. In other words, he was going to be religious. But what did God say to King Saul through the mouth of His servant? Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Being religious will never get you into heaven. Being religious will never grant you peace with God. You can be religious without ever knowing God. You can give to missions without ever having met God. You can read books about God, but until you have met Him personally through his Son Jesus Christ, you do not know Him. Too many people today are only interested in church and in religion. But their ultimate purpose should be to know God.

There is also an interesting truth found in verse 1. It reads, Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. The things which happen to us are allowed by God to drive us to Him for healing. As I read this passage I thought of Job. God certainly allowed unpleasant things to affect his life to draw him to God. The judgments and hard times that came upon Israel were meant to drive them back to God. Yes, God is the One who injures. But, praise the Lord, He is the One who is able to heal.

Friends, if you are troubled today, look to God for He alone has strength to heal you and to make you whole.

Further Thoughts from Hosea 6:

KEY WORDS: Prostitution; Unfaithful; Love; Return to the Lord

KEY VERSE: Verse 1 is a call for Israel to return to God for healing.

PURPOSE STATEMENT: This chapter records God's challenge to Israel to return to Him, and Israel's response, continued sinning.

OUTLINE: RETURN TO THE LORD

I. A call to return to the Lord - verses 1-3

II. Israel's sins - verses 4-11

Hosea 5 Return to the Table of Contents Hosea 7