Israel's arrogance testifies against them; Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; even Judah stumbles with them. Israel’s arroganceThe Hebrew word for "arrogance" here is "ga'own," which can also be translated as "pride" or "haughtiness." This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe a sinful attitude that leads to downfall. In the context of Hosea, Israel's arrogance is a spiritual pride that blinds them to their need for repentance and reliance on God. Historically, Israel's prosperity and military strength may have contributed to this arrogance, leading them to trust in their own abilities rather than in God. testifies against them
The phrase "testifies against them" suggests a legal or judicial context, where Israel's own actions serve as a witness to their guilt. In the Hebrew, the word "anah" can mean to answer or respond, indicating that their arrogance is speaking volumes about their spiritual state. This imagery is powerful, as it implies that their sins are so evident that they need no other accuser; their behavior is enough to convict them. both Israel and Ephraim
"Ephraim" is often used as a synonym for the northern kingdom of Israel, as it was the largest and most influential tribe. By mentioning both "Israel and Ephraim," the text emphasizes the collective guilt of the northern kingdom. This dual mention underscores the widespread nature of the sin and the unity in rebellion against God. Historically, Ephraim's leadership role in the northern kingdom made its actions particularly significant. stumble in their iniquity
The word "stumble" in Hebrew is "kashal," which conveys the idea of faltering or failing. This stumbling is not merely a physical act but a moral and spiritual failure. "Iniquity" refers to a deep-seated sinfulness, a deviation from what is right. The imagery of stumbling suggests that their sin has caused them to lose their way, leading to inevitable downfall. This is a common prophetic theme, where sin leads to destruction. even Judah stumbles with them
Judah, the southern kingdom, is also implicated in this indictment. The use of "even" highlights the unexpected nature of Judah's involvement, as they were often seen as more faithful compared to the northern kingdom. However, their association with Israel's sin indicates a shared culpability. This serves as a warning that no one is immune to the consequences of sin, and it foreshadows the eventual judgment that would come upon Judah as well. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelRefers to the Northern Kingdom, often characterized by its rebellion against God and idolatry. 2. EphraimA leading tribe in the Northern Kingdom, often used synonymously with Israel, representing its leadership and influence. 3. JudahThe Southern Kingdom, which, although more faithful than Israel, is also warned of impending judgment due to its sins. 4. ArroganceThe pride and self-reliance of Israel, which leads to their downfall and serves as a witness against them. 5. IniquityThe sinful actions and behaviors that cause Israel and Ephraim to stumble, highlighting their moral and spiritual failures. Teaching Points The Danger of PridePride is a significant spiritual danger that can lead to a fall. Believers must guard against arrogance and self-reliance, recognizing their need for God's guidance and grace. Corporate ResponsibilityThe sins of a community or nation can have widespread consequences. Christians are called to intercede for their communities and seek collective repentance and renewal. The Consequences of SinSin leads to stumbling and separation from God. It is crucial to address sin in our lives promptly and seek God's forgiveness and restoration. Learning from HistoryThe failures of Israel and Judah serve as warnings for us today. We must learn from their mistakes and strive to live in obedience to God's commands. Unity in AccountabilityJust as Judah stumbled with Israel, believers are interconnected. We must support and hold each other accountable in our spiritual journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the pride of Israel in Hosea 5:5 serve as a warning for us today in our personal and communal lives? 2. In what ways can we identify and address areas of arrogance in our own hearts to prevent spiritual stumbling? 3. How can the concept of corporate responsibility in Hosea 5:5 be applied to our role within the church and society? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by Israel and Judah, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls? 5. How can we foster a culture of accountability and support within our Christian communities to help prevent spiritual stumbling? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks about pride leading to destruction, which parallels the arrogance of Israel leading to their downfall. Isaiah 9:9-10These verses describe the pride and arrogance of Israel, similar to Hosea's message. Jeremiah 13:9This passage warns of the consequences of pride, reinforcing the theme of Hosea 5:5. Amos 2:4Amos also addresses the sins of Judah, showing that both kingdoms are subject to God's judgment. 1 Corinthians 10:12Paul warns believers to be careful not to fall, echoing the stumbling of Israel and Judah. People Benjamin, Hosea, Israelites, JarebPlaces Assyria, Beth-aven, Gibeah, Mizpah, Ramah, TaborTopics Arrogance, Ephraim, E'phraim, Excellency, Face, Fall, Gives, Guilt, Humbled, Iniquity, Israelites, Israel's, Judah, Moreover, Pride, Sin, Sins, Stumble, Stumbled, Stumbles, Testifies, Testify, TheirsDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 5:5 5186 stumbling Hosea 5:4-5 5793 arrogance Library 'Physicians of no Value'
'When Ephralm saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to Assyria, and sent to king Jareb: but he is not able to heal you, neither shall he cure you of your wound.'--HOSEA v. 13 (R.V.). The long tragedy which ended in the destruction of the Northern Kingdom by Assyrian invasion was already beginning to develop in Hosea's time. The mistaken politics of the kings of Israel led them to seek an ally where they should have dreaded an enemy. As Hosea puts it in figurative fashion, Ephraim's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureAn Obscured vision
(Preached at the opening of the Winona Lake Bible Conference.) TEXT: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18. It is not altogether an easy matter to secure a text for such an occasion as this; not because the texts are so few in number but rather because they are so many, for one has only to turn over the pages of the Bible in the most casual way to find them facing him at every reading. Feeling the need of advice for such a time as this, I asked a number of my friends who …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot The Call and Feast of Levi
"And He went forth again by the seaside; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the place of toll, and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him. And it came to pass, that He was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with the …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark That None Should Enter on a Place of Government who Practise not in Life what they have Learnt by Study.
There are some also who investigate spiritual precepts with cunning care, but what they penetrate with their understanding they trample on in their lives: all at once they teach the things which not by practice but by study they have learnt; and what in words they preach by their manners they impugn. Whence it comes to pass that when the shepherd walks through steep places, the flock follows to the precipice. Hence it is that the Lord through the prophet complains of the contemptible knowledge …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ripe for Gathering
'Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. 2. And He said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon My people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more. 3. And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. 4. Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Meditations for the Sick.
Whilst thy sickness remains, use often, for thy comfort, these few meditations, taken from the ends wherefore God sendeth afflictions to his children. Those are ten. 1. That by afflictions God may not only correct our sins past, but also work in us a deeper loathing of our natural corruptions, and so prevent us from falling into many other sins, which otherwise we would commit; like a good father, who suffers his tender babe to scorch his finger in a candle, that he may the rather learn to beware …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
1. Absurd fictions of opponents first refuted, and then certain passages of Scripture explained. Answer by a negative. Confirmation of the answer. 2. Another absurdity of Aristotle and Pelagius. Answer by a distinction. Answer fortified by passages from Augustine, and supported by the authority of an Apostle. 3. Third absurdity borrowed from the words of Chrysostom. Answer by a negative. 4. Fourth absurdity urged of old by the Pelagians. Answer from the works of Augustine. Illustrated by the testimony …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 5:5 NIVHosea 5:5 NLTHosea 5:5 ESVHosea 5:5 NASBHosea 5:5 KJV
Hosea 5:5 Commentaries
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