Hosea Chapter Seven

Written By: Timothy Fish Published: 10/13/2008

The seventh chapter of Hosea is largely about the iniquity of Ephraim. Ephraim was one of the two half tribes that descended from Joseph. This particular tribe appears to be a large portion of the problem that Israel faced. In fact, the chapter begins with the statement, “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was uncovered.” It appears that if Ephraim hadn’t stood in the way God might have shown mercy to Israel. I makes me wonder. Is it possible that the Lord stands ready to bless our churches, but some of us are standing in the way? Could I be standing in the way of God’s blessing for others because I have not repented of some sin? It is something that we should consider.

Hosea compares Ephraim to an oven that is warming while the bread is rising. Leaven is symbolic of sin. It starts out small, but it keeps growing and it isn’t long before it overtakes the whole thing. The leaders of the people are compared to leavened bread. The sin takes hold of them and then the wicked people suck them into their grasp, like bread goes into a hot oven.

Ephraim is also compared to a cake not turned, with the statement that Ephraim mixed himself among the people. The evil of Ephraim intermingled with the rest of Israel and they were doing evil also.

The Lord pronounces a woe to those who fled from him. Even though he blessed them, they sought evil instead. They made the appearance of returning to God, but they did so deceptively and the Lord was not pleased.

For the Love
of a
Devil

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