HOSEA 9
10 Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel.
Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers.
But they came to Baal-Peor and consecrated themselves to the thing of shame,
and became detestable like the thing they loved.
11 Ephraim’s glory shall fly away like a bird—no birth, no pregnancy, no conception!
12 Even if they bring up children, I will bereave them till none is left.
Woe to them when I depart from them!
13 Ephraim, as I have seen, was like a young palm planted in a meadow;
but Ephraim must lead his children out to slaughter.
14 Give them, O Lord— what will you give?
Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. – Hosea 9:10-14
HOSEA 9 OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH ON HIS PEOPLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by theses verses
When you test the Lord your God with unfaithfulness
Be prepared to experience his wrath in fullness
He will not let his people perish in their sinfulness
He is a jealous God who won’t stand infidelity.
According to a commentary, the phrase like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. They were likened to grapes and figs which was interesting since they were very complaining people. The commentator said that though they weren’t perfect, God still chose them. They were undefiled under Moses’ leadership since they kept themselves free of idols. In Numbers 25:3-18, when the Israelites came to Baal-Peor, they consecrated themselves to things of shame. They were seduced by Moab and many of the men fell into sexual sin and they also worshipped Baal and sacrificed to him. They committed unfaithfulness to God.
Verses 11-14 give us details of the wrath of God against his own people as a consequence of their idolatry. They will be barren. They won’t have children. Verse 12 sounds so harsh that even if they raise whoever children were left to them, they won’t make it since God will take them. A commentary says “Was this unfair to the children? Many biblical scholars believe that children who die before the age of accountability are accepted into heaven. If this is the case, and it likely is, then this could be a blessing for those very children who would have had to grow up in that world.”
REFLECTION
- Do you think it was cruel of God to kill those children of the Israelites as a consequence of their idolatry? Why or why not?
