HOSEA 6
7 But like Adam they transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with me.
8 Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with blood.
9 As robbers lie in wait for a man, so the priests band together;
they murder on the way to Shechem; they commit villainy.
10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing;
Ephraim’s whoredom is there; Israel is defiled.
11 For you also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed.
When I restore the fortunes of my people, – Hosea 6:7-11
HOSEA 6 WICKED & UNREPENTANT PEOPLE OF GOD
In this account, the people of God were likened to Adam in verse 7. Adam was the originator of sin, together with Eve. In this verse we hear God accusing Israel of her lack of faith in him and unfaithfulness. Adam was the first man created by God and he was given dominion over all creatures. All his needs were met. He didn’t have to work, as God took care of all of them. He lived with God and had his presence constantly. He was in paradise where he had no lack because God provided for all their needs. The Israelites were in a similar situation with Adam. They were given the Promised Land and were also provided, protected and cared for. God made a covenant promise to them. He provided them with food in the wilderness. Both Adam and the Israelites were unfaithful to God.
Biblehub.com says that Gilead is a region located east of the Jordan River, primarily in the territory that was allotted to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It is characterized by its mountainous terrain and fertile land, making it suitable for agriculture and livestock. The region is often associated with balm, a resin used for medicinal purposes, as noted in Jeremiah 8:22. Absalom, David’s son who led a coup against his father, camped in Gilead and it was there that Absalom died.
Clarke comments “The idolatrous priests there formed themselves into companies, and kept possession of the roads and passes; and if they found any person going to Jerusalem to worship the true God, they put him to death.” What distorted acts these priests did when they were supposed to be the one setting examples for the people of God to stay pure and holy. What wickedness these people did!
REFLECTION
· How can these chosen people of God continue with their wickedness?
