Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Hosea urges Israel to return to Yahweh.
II. Photo
God mocks the people: “What can I do for you, Ephraim, what can I do for you, Judah, when your goodness is like morning clouds, like dew so early gone? “ (v. 4)
III. Important Verses
1-3: “Come, let us turn back to the LORD: He attacked, and He can heal us; He wounded, and He can bind us up. In two days He will make us whole again; On the third day He will raise us up, And we shall be whole by His favor. Let us pursue obedience to the LORD, And we shall become obedient. His appearance is as sure as daybreak, And He will come to us like rain, Like latter rain that refreshes the earth.”
4: What can I do for you, Ephraim, What can I do for you, Judah, When your goodness is like morning clouds, Like dew so early gone?
5-6: That is why I have hewn down the prophets, Have slain them with the words of My mouth: And the day that dawned brought on your punishment. For I desire goodness, not sacrifice; Obedience to God, rather than burnt offerings.
8-9: Gilead is a city of evildoers, Tracked up with blood. The gang of priests is Like the ambuscade of bandits Who murder on the road to Shechem, For they have encouraged depravity.
IV. Outline
1a. Introduction: call to return to God
1b-3. God will reinvigorate the people
4. Ephraim and Judah’s lack of kindness
5. Getting rid of prophets
6. God desires kindness, not sacrifice
7-9. The violence at Gilead
10-11a. Ephraim’s “adultery” and the consequences
11b. A hope for Israel
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Photo taken from http://img.wallpaperstock.net:81/green-dew-wallpapers_8106_1280x1024.jpg
