This chapter tells how Hoshea, King of Israel, continues the pattern of sin. God allows Assyria to take the entire nation captive, exile them from Israel, and resettle Samaria with pagan people.
“And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced… And they did wicked things, provoking the Lord to anger… Yet the Lord warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer…” (v7-13 abr)
At this point in history several of the prophets (including Isaiah, Hosea and Amos) are sent by God in an attempt to turn His people from their wicked ways, but Israel just won’t listen. As a final consequence of their consistent and unrepentant sin they are exiled by Assyria.
This chapter reminds me of the steadfast love and patience God has for us. For several generations He warned Israel to repent of their wickedness and not act like pagan nations, yet they continually disobeyed God. He finally allowed them to lose their promised land and their line of kings (Hoshea was the nineteenth and final King of Israel).
God’s patience and love are so deep that He will do everything He can to get our attention back on Him. “The Lord is… patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Pt 3:9 abr) “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost [sinner], Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Tm 1:16)
Paul and Peter both remind us of God’s loving patience with us, desiring that we will one day turn/return to Him. I encourage us to quickly and consistently repent of any sin, and not abuse God’s patience, grace or mercy. Let’s also tell others of God’s steadfast love and patience, and pray for their salvation, knowing that God desires to redeem them just as He redeemed us.
Father God, our Great Lord and King, Your love and patience are beyond measure. We praise You for Your steadfastness and the salvation You offer. O Lord God please have mercy on us, cleanse us of any sin, and help us turn away from any wickedness. We lift up those around us, and pray You would turn their hearts toward You, so they too may experience the joy of Your salvation. In the name of Jesus our Loving and Redeeming Savior, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training