Hosea 7:10
Israel's arrogance testifies against them, yet they do not return to the LORD their God; despite all this, they do not seek Him.
Israel’s arrogance
The Hebrew word for "arrogance" is "ga'own," which can also be translated as "pride" or "exaltation." This term often denotes a sense of self-importance and haughtiness that leads to a downfall. In the context of Israel, this arrogance is a spiritual pride that blinds them to their need for repentance. Historically, Israel's prosperity and military alliances may have contributed to this arrogance, leading them to trust in their own strength rather than in God.

testifies against them
The phrase "testifies against them" suggests a legal or judicial context, where evidence is presented in a court of law. In this case, Israel's arrogance serves as a witness to their guilt. The Hebrew word "anah" implies a response or answer, indicating that their pride is a response to God's covenant, but in a negative sense. This testimony is not just a passive observation but an active declaration of their rebellion against God.

yet they do not return
The concept of "return" in Hebrew is "shuv," which means to turn back or repent. This is a central theme in the prophetic literature, where God continually calls His people to return to Him. Despite the clear evidence of their wrongdoing, Israel refuses to repent. This stubbornness highlights the depth of their spiritual blindness and rebellion.

to the LORD their God
The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. "Their God" underscores the personal and communal bond that Israel is neglecting. Historically, this relationship was established through the covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David, which Israel is now violating through idolatry and disobedience.

despite all this
This phrase indicates that despite the overwhelming evidence of their need for repentance and the consequences of their actions, Israel remains obstinate. The "all this" refers to the judgments and warnings that God has already brought upon them, including military defeats and social unrest, which were meant to lead them back to Him.

they do not seek Him
The Hebrew word for "seek" is "darash," which implies a diligent search or inquiry. To "seek" God is to pursue a relationship with Him, to desire His presence and guidance. Israel's failure to seek God is a willful neglect of their spiritual duties and a rejection of the opportunity for restoration. This lack of seeking is a profound spiritual crisis, as it indicates a heart that is far from God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, representing the ten tribes that split from Judah. Known for its idolatry and political alliances with foreign nations.

2. Hosea
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to Israel. His life and marriage serve as a metaphor for God's relationship with Israel.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires a faithful relationship with His people and calls them to repentance.

4. Arrogance
The pride and self-reliance of Israel, which leads them away from seeking God and acknowledging their need for His guidance.

5. Repentance
The act of turning back to God, which Israel fails to do despite their circumstances and God's calls through the prophets.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Arrogance
Arrogance blinds us to our need for God. Like Israel, we can become self-reliant and ignore God's call to repentance.

The Call to Return
God desires a relationship with us. Despite our failures, He continually calls us to return to Him with a sincere heart.

The Consequences of Ignoring God
Ignoring God's call leads to spiritual decline. Israel's history shows that turning away from God results in judgment and loss.

Seeking God in Times of Trouble
In times of difficulty, our first response should be to seek God. Israel's failure to do so serves as a warning for us to prioritize our relationship with Him.

Repentance as a Daily Practice
Repentance should be a regular part of our spiritual life, not just a response to crisis. It involves a genuine turning back to God and aligning our lives with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern examples of arrogance that can lead us away from seeking God, similar to Israel's experience?

2. How can we cultivate a heart that is quick to return to God in repentance, rather than relying on our own strength?

3. In what ways does the account of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 encourage us to return to God, and how does it contrast with Israel's response in Hosea 7:10?

4. How can we ensure that our repentance is genuine and not just a superficial response to external circumstances?

5. What practical steps can we take to seek God daily, especially during times of trouble or uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 9:13
This verse highlights a similar theme where the people do not turn back to God despite His discipline, showing a pattern of stubbornness and pride.

Jeremiah 3:10
Jeremiah speaks of Judah's insincere return to God, paralleling Israel's failure to genuinely seek the Lord.

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the concept of returning to the Father, contrasting with Israel's refusal to return to God.
Our SinWilliam Jay.Hosea 7:10
They Return not unto the LordJ.R. Thomson Hosea 7:10
Will not be HumbledJeremiah Burroughs.Hosea 7:10
Mixing with the UngodlyJ. Orr Hosea 7:8-10
People
Hosea
Places
Assyria, Egypt, Samaria
Topics
Arrogance, Despite, Excellency, Face, Gives, Haven't, Humbled, Pride, Return, Returned, Search, Seek, Sought, Testifies, Testifieth, Testify, Though, Witnesses, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hosea 7:10

     5793   arrogance
     6194   impenitence, warnings
     6628   conversion, God's demand

Hosea 7:8-11

     7233   Israel, northern kingdom

Library
October 6. "Ephraim, He Hath Mixed Himself" (Hos. vii. 8).
"Ephraim, he hath mixed himself" (Hos. vii. 8). It is a great thing to learn to take God first, and then He can afford to give us everything else, without the fear of its hurting us. As long as you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an idol. But when you become satisfied with God, everything else so loses its charm that He can give it to you without harm, and then you can take just as much as you choose, and use it for His glory. There is no harm whatever in having
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley.
"And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness."--HOSEA vii. 2. Is it possible for any man to conceive of truths more fitted to arrest the attention and impress the heart than are those contained in this volume? It has been said that if a blank book had been put into our hands, and every one of us had been asked to put into it the promises we should like to find there, we could not have employed language so explicit, so expressive, and so suited to all our varied wants,
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Prayer to the Most High
"Lord, teach us to pray."--Luke xi. 1. "They return, but not to the Most High."--Hos. vii. 16. THE Most High. The High and Lofty One, That inhabiteth eternity, whose Name is Holy. The King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the Only Wise God. The Blessed and Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto: Whom no man hath seen, nor can see. Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty: just and true are Thy
Alexander Whyte—Lord Teach Us To Pray

On the Animals
The birds are the saints, because they fly to the higher heart; in the gospel: and he made great branches that the birds of the air might live in their shade. [Mark 4:32] Flying is the death of the saints in God or the knowledge of the Scriptures; in the psalm: I shall fly and I shall be at rest. [Ps. 54(55):7 Vulgate] The wings are the two testaments; in Ezekiel: your body will fly with two wings of its own. [Ez. 1:23] The feathers are the Scriptures; in the psalm: the wings of the silver dove.
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
The bread is Christ or conversation of the Lord; in the gospel: I am the living bread. [John 6:41] The wine is the same as above; in Solomon: and drink this wine, which I have blended for you. [Prov. 9:5] Olive oil is mercy or the Holy Spirit; in the psalm: I have anointed him with my holy oil. The same in another part: Let not the oil of the sinner, that is, admiration, touch my head. [Ps. 88(89):21(20); Ps. 140(141):5] Pork is sin; in the psalm: they are sated with pork. [Ps. 16(17):14 (unknown
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Seventh Commandment
Thou shalt not commit adultery.' Exod 20: 14. God is a pure, holy spirit, and has an infinite antipathy against all uncleanness. In this commandment he has entered his caution against it; non moechaberis, Thou shalt not commit adultery.' The sum of this commandment is, The preservations of corporal purity. We must take heed of running on the rock of uncleanness, and so making shipwreck of our chastity. In this commandment there is something tacitly implied, and something expressly forbidden. 1. The
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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

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