PURSUE LOVE AND JUSTICE
Justice, Love • Sermon • Submitted
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· 17 viewsI will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, For I am God and not Man
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Topic:Pursue Love and Justice
Topic:Pursue Love and Justice
Text: Hosea 11:1,2,7-10 12:1,2,6-14
Text: Hosea 11:1,2,7-10 12:1,2,6-14
Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Ps.19:14)
Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Ps.19:14)
Introduction:
Introduction:
The Minor Prophets
The Minor Prophets
The 12 books of the Minor Prophets cover a period of roughly 300 years, approximately from 760 BC (Amos) to 450 BC (Malachi). Except for Jonah, the books all identify the author in a heading. The arrangement of the books in the biblical canon is chronological, with the exception of Joel and Obadiah
The 12 books of the Minor Prophets cover a period of roughly 300 years, approximately from 760 BC (Amos) to 450 BC (Malachi). Except for Jonah, the books all identify the author in a heading. The arrangement of the books in the biblical canon is chronological, with the exception of Joel and Obadiah
Hosea Context and Themes
Hosea Context and Themes
Hosea
Hosea
Hosea prophesied during the eighth century BC, an eventful period in the history of Israel and Judah. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and took the people into exile.
Hosea prophesied during the eighth century BC, an eventful period in the history of Israel and Judah. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and took the people into exile.
Hosea’s message focuses on the northern kingdom, especially their idolatry. In an effort to produce children and enjoy agricultural abundance, the people worshiped the Canaanite fertility god Baal. Yahweh compares Israel’s unfaithfulness to adultery. As a living symbol of their lack of fidelity, He commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful to him. To illustrate His determination to win back Israel, He required Hosea to reclaim his adulterous wife.
Hosea’s message focuses on the northern kingdom, especially their idolatry. In an effort to produce children and enjoy agricultural abundance, the people worshiped the Canaanite fertility god Baal. Yahweh compares Israel’s unfaithfulness to adultery. As a living symbol of their lack of fidelity, He commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful to him. To illustrate His determination to win back Israel, He required Hosea to reclaim his adulterous wife.
The book of Hosea paints vivid portraits of Yahweh as a moth, bone decay, a hunter, a lion, a leopard, and a bear. Yahweh threatens to kill His people’s children, rip the people open, and tear them apart (Hos 9:11–17; 13:7–8). At the same time, in contrast to these disturbing images Yahweh is depicted as a lover who romantically pursues His wayward first love (Hos 2:14). We glimpse the heart of God and view His great compassion for His people. As He contemplates His severe judgment upon Israel, His heart goes out to them, and He relents from sending calamity in its full force (Hos 11:8–9).
The book of Hosea paints vivid portraits of Yahweh as a moth, bone decay, a hunter, a lion, a leopard, and a bear. Yahweh threatens to kill His people’s children, rip the people open, and tear them apart (Hos 9:11–17; 13:7–8). At the same time, in contrast to these disturbing images Yahweh is depicted as a lover who romantically pursues His wayward first love (Hos 2:14). We glimpse the heart of God and view His great compassion for His people. As He contemplates His severe judgment upon Israel, His heart goes out to them, and He relents from sending calamity in its full force (Hos 11:8–9).
Father’s Faithfulness
Father’s Faithfulness
(Hosea 11:1,2,7-10)
A. God’s Action (v v. 1)
11:1–11 This oracle of compassion and restoration highlights Yahweh’s love for His people even as they continue to stray and rebel. Though their rebellion requires Him to judge them (vv. 5–7), His compassion will ultimately overcome His wrath. He will renew His relationship with Israel, restoring its people to their land and their homes
A. God’s Action (v v. 1)
11:1–11 This oracle of compassion and restoration highlights Yahweh’s love for His people even as they continue to stray and rebel. Though their rebellion requires Him to judge them (vv. 5–7), His compassion will ultimately overcome His wrath. He will renew His relationship with Israel, restoring its people to their land and their homes
11:1 Israel was a child The prophet metaphorically depicts the relationship between Yahweh and Israel as a father and child. See Isa 1:2.
11:1 Israel was a child The prophet metaphorically depicts the relationship between Yahweh and Israel as a father and child. See Isa 1:2.
2 The Lord said, “Earth and sky, listen to what I am saying! The children I brought up have rebelled against me.
out of Egypt I called my son Refers to the events of the exodus (see Exod 1–15)
out of Egypt I called my son Refers to the events of the exodus (see Exod 1–15)
B.Israel Reaction( v v.2,7)
B.Israel Reaction( v v.2,7)
11:2 they went from my face See Isa 1:2–4.Hosea 11:2
2 But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burnt incense to idols.
2 The Lord said, “Earth and sky, listen to what I am saying! The children I brought up have rebelled against me.
3 Cattle know who owns them, and donkeys know where their master feeds them. But that is more than my people Israel know. They don’t understand at all.”
4 You are doomed, you sinful nation, you corrupt and evil people! Your sins drag you down! You have rejected the Lord, the holy God of Israel, and have turned your backs on him.
Hosea 7a.-7b.
Hosea 7a.-7b.
(The word bent mean to be suspended or hung up on something.
(The word bent mean to be suspended or hung up on something.
7a. God’s frustration
7a. God’s frustration
King James Version Chapter 11
7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me:
7b. Israel is mixing practices of religious vocabulary.
7b. Israel is mixing practices of religious vocabulary.
King James Version Chapter 11
Though they called them to the most High,
King James Version Chapter 11
None at all would exalt him.
C. God’s Decision (vv.8,9)
C. God’s Decision (vv.8,9)
11:8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How Jeremiah 31:20 and Isa 49:15 contain similar expressions of Yahweh’s love for Israel. Yahweh’s compassion overwhelms His wrath. Even though His people have rejected Him, He cannot fully reject them.
11:8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How Jeremiah 31:20 and Isa 49:15 contain similar expressions of Yahweh’s love for Israel. Yahweh’s compassion overwhelms His wrath. Even though His people have rejected Him, He cannot fully reject them.
15 So the Lord answers, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.
20 “Israel, you are my dearest son, the child I love best. Whenever I mention your name, I think of you with love. My heart goes out to you; I will be merciful.
Admah A proverbial image of a city destroyed by divine wrath.
Admah is one of the cities of the plain associated with Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis (Gen 10:19; 14:2). According to tradition, God destroyed all the cities of the plain, except Zoar, along with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:29). Deuteronomy 29:23 mentions Admah and Zeboiim (also rendered “Zeboyim” and “Zeboim”) as a pair alongside Sodom and Gomorrah
29 But when God destroyed the cities of the valley where Lot was living, he kept Abraham in mind and allowed Lot to escape to safety.
19 until the Canaanite borders reached from Sidon southwards to Gerar near Gaza, and eastwards to Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim near Lasha.
2 went to war against five other kings: Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (or Zoar).
D. Israel’s Future ( v.10)
D. Israel’s Future ( v.10)
11:10 he roars like a lion A common image for Yahweh that emphasizes His strength (compare Amos 1:2; Joel 3:16; Jer 25:30).
11:10 he roars like a lion A common image for Yahweh that emphasizes His strength (compare Amos 1:2; Joel 3:16; Jer 25:30).
16 The Lord roars from Mount Zion; his voice thunders from Jerusalem; earth and sky tremble. But he will defend his people.
30 “You, Jeremiah, must proclaim everything I have said. You must tell these people, ‘The Lord will roar from heaven and thunder from the heights of heaven. He will roar against his people; he will shout like a man treading grapes. Everyone on earth will hear him,
will come trembling from the sea Illustrates Yahweh bringing a group of survivors of Israel (the remnant) back to the land (compare Isa 11:11–16; 35:10; 60:4; Jer 16:15).
15 Instead, they will swear by me as the living God who brought the people of Israel out of a northern land and out of all the other countries where I had scattered them. I will bring them back to their own country, to the land that I gave their ancestors. I, the Lord, have spoken.”
12:2–14 Hosea continues to emphasize Israel’s religious and political failings, using traditions about the patriarch Jacob to parallel Israel’s wanderings. The comparison with Jacob emphasizes his reputation for deceit and desire for personal gain.
12:2–14 Hosea continues to emphasize Israel’s religious and political failings, using traditions about the patriarch Jacob to parallel Israel’s wanderings. The comparison with Jacob emphasizes his reputation for deceit and desire for personal gain.
Lord’s Rresolution
Lord’s Rresolution
( Hosea 12:1,2’ 6-14)
Charges of Sin (v v. 1-2)
12:2 Yahweh has a quarrel with Judah Compare Hos 4:1; see note on 4:1–19.
12:2 Yahweh has a quarrel with Judah Compare Hos 4:1; see note on 4:1–19.
1 The Lord has an accusation to bring against the people who live in this land. Listen, Israel, to what he says: “There is no faithfulness or love in the land, and the people do not acknowledge me as God.
Jacob Refers to Israel, using the name of the nation’s ancestor (Gen 32:28).
Jacob Refers to Israel, using the name of the nation’s ancestor (Gen 32:28).
28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.”
12:3 he deceived his brother Alludes to Jacob’s birth and the act that earned him the name “Jacob,” which means “he supplants” (Gen 25:26).
12:3 he deceived his brother Alludes to Jacob’s birth and the act that earned him the name “Jacob,” which means “he supplants” (Gen 25:26).
26 The second one was born holding on tightly to the heel of Esau, so he was named Jacob. Isaac was 60 years old when they were born.
C.Persistence in Wickedness(vv.7,8
C.Persistence in Wickedness(vv.7,8
12:7 scales of deceit Incorrect weights used in dishonest trade. See note on Jer 32:1
12:7 scales of deceit Incorrect weights used in dishonest trade. See note on Jer 32:1
1 The Lord spoke to me in the tenth year that Zedekiah was king of Judah, which was also the eighteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia.
12:8 they have not found guilt in me that is sin Ephraim understands material prosperity as the result of divine blessing; they follow a stereotypical way of thinking, equating blessing with righteousness and suffering with sin. See note on Jer 12:1
12:8 they have not found guilt in me that is sin Ephraim understands material prosperity as the result of divine blessing; they follow a stereotypical way of thinking, equating blessing with righteousness and suffering with sin. See note on Jer 12:1
1 “Lord, if I argued my case with you, you would prove to be right. Yet I must question you about matters of justice. Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why do dishonest people succeed?
D. Plan for Reconciliation (v v.9-10)
D. Plan for Reconciliation (v v.9-10)
12:9 I will make you live in tents again Alludes to the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:39–43). Apparently, the Israelites had been neglecting this observance (Neh 8:13–18).
12:9 I will make you live in tents again Alludes to the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:39–43). Apparently, the Israelites had been neglecting this observance (Neh 8:13–18).
13 The next day the heads of the clans, together with the priests and the Levites, went to Ezra to study the teachings of the Law.
14 They discovered that the Law, which the Lord gave through Moses, ordered the people of Israel to live in temporary shelters during the Festival of Shelters.
15 So they gave the following instructions and sent them all through Jerusalem and the other cities and towns: “Go out to the hills and get branches from pines, olives, myrtles, palms, and other trees to make shelters according to the instructions written in the Law.”
16 So the people got branches and built shelters on the flat roofs of their houses, in their yards, in the temple courtyard, and in the public squares by the Water Gate and by the Ephraim Gate.
17 All the people who had come back from captivity built shelters and lived in them. This was the first time it had been done since the days of Joshua son of Nun, and everybody was excited and happy.
18 From the first day of the festival to the last they read a part of God’s Law every day. They celebrated for seven days, and on the eighth day there was a closing ceremony, as required in the Law.
Israelite Festivals Table
12:10 through the hand of the prophets I will destroy Although the word for “parable” does not appear in the Hebrew text, the verb used here implies speaking in metaphorical language.
12:10 through the hand of the prophets I will destroy Although the word for “parable” does not appear in the Hebrew text, the verb used here implies speaking in metaphorical language.
E. Resistance to the plan (v v. 11-14)
E. Resistance to the plan (v v. 11-14)
12:11 in Gilead A region east of the Jordan River. See note on Hos 6:8.
12:11 in Gilead A region east of the Jordan River. See note on Hos 6:8.
8 Gilead is a city full of evil people and murderers.
Gilgal A site near Jericho that was an important religious center in the time of Samuel. See note on 4:15.
12:12 Jacob fled to the open field of Aram Alludes to the events of Gen 28–29. The allusion also invokes hope of restoration because Jacob eventually returned to Palestine.
12:12 Jacob fled to the open field of Aram Alludes to the events of Gen 28–29. The allusion also invokes hope of restoration because Jacob eventually returned to Palestine.
12:13 by a prophet The prophet shifts from relating traditions about Jacob to alluding to Moses leading Israel (Deut 18:15)
12:13 by a prophet The prophet shifts from relating traditions about Jacob to alluding to Moses leading Israel (Deut 18:15)
15 Instead, he will send you a prophet like me from among your own people, and you are to obey him.