Read Hosea 7.
Foolishly, the people believed they could go on rebelling against God and, in time, He would not remember! The deceitfulness of the human heart causes many to think that the LORD will overlook their sin ("it is not that bad") or the consequences will simply go away.
There are five comparative statements regarding Israel's sad and sinful condition.
1. Like an unattended fire. (vv.4-7)
The baker busied herself waiting for the dough to rise and forgot without a hot oven her efforts would be wasted. Israel's love for God had waned and grown cold. The only passion they showed was for more sin.
2. Like an unturned cake. (v.8)
A pancake that is not flipped will burn on one side and remain uncooked on the other. The product will not be fit to eat and must be tossed out. Israel's duplicity of saying they know God and, yet, engaging in the sinful alliances and practices of the ungodly made them useless to either.
3. Like aging man. (vv.9-10)
In addition to the internal spiritual problems, the nation aligned themselves with other nations, hoping for protection. They did that instead of relying on God. It was pride that kept them from repenting and seeking God's help. Such behavior is compared to a man who is losing the strength of his youth but refuses to admit it.
4. Like a dove. (v.11)
The LORD called a dove silly and senseless. The actions of Israel were just like that. Egypt was no longer the world power it once was and Assyria would brutally turn on them as an enemy.
5. Like a bad bow. (v.16)
A weapon that cannot shoot straight is unreliable and worthless. This leaves the person defenseless in battle and people will be killed. Israel's sin kept them from realizing how much danger awaited them.
God's response would be to use the Assyrians for discipline, but His heart was to redeem them (vv.12-13). It was the heart of Jesus. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37).
God, give us willing hearts today.
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