Read Hosea 5.
The LORD continued to pre-announce His punishment of the northern kingdom of Israel. In addition, Judah is mentioned here. Though all the people stood guilty before Him, God again singled out the priests for their failure to spiritual teach and provide godly leadership for the nation. Instead, the "revolters" (v.2), led the people deeper and deeper into sin.
Though the people went through the rituals of worshiping the LORD, their lives and practices proved otherwise. Claiming to know God, they practiced sexual immorality for the fertility deities. They looked for guidance and celebration in things such as the New Moon. They were raising a generation of children in spiritual and physical adultery. God would no longer tolerate such sinful disobedience.
At the initial pain, Israel turned to Assyria for help (v.13). This wicked and brutal empire was the very instrument God prepared to punish them! Don't miss the multiple "I will" statements from God in verses 14 and 15. Though the Assyrians would invade, it was God Himself delivering the judgment blows upon Israel.
What was God's purpose and His desire?
According to verse 15, His discipline of them would one day come to an end. He removed His presence and His blessings "until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face." The Apostle Paul wrote, "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret..." (2 Corinthians 7:10a) Sometimes pain is the only teacher that causes people to stop what they are doing and listen to the Lord.
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)
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