Hosea 3:1 Then said the LORD to me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress… The connection here pointed out between the idolatry of heart that seeks after other gods, and the self-indulgence in life that seeks after flagons — large quantities — of wine, is so truly universal, through all the ages it has been in evidence, and even now it constantly reappears, so that it may be regarded as necessary and essential. All nature religions, all pagan religions, all heathen religions are sensuous and sensual. All philosophical religions are, though in more subtle forms, sensuous, as may be illustrated in the personal history of Comte the positivist. It would be possible very widely to illustrate this fact. But when it is established, and the strongly marked contrast of the Jehovah and the Christian religions is pointed out, it remains to be considered why this connection between two apparently unrelated things should have become established. Two reasons may be suggested. I. ALL OTHER RELIGIONS SAVE THE JEHOVAH RELIGION ARE HUMAN INVENTIONS. They therefore tend to foster the pride of man, to strengthen his self-will, and encourage him in doing what he likes. Jehovah religion, being authoritative revelation, brings man's will into subjection and obedience. II. ALL OTHER RELIGIONS ARE, IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER, NATURE RELIGIONS. And the root idea of nature religions is the glorifying of sexual relations. The worship is virtual sensual indulgence, and thus all forms of sensual indulgence are encouraged. The Jehovah religion alone requires righteousness and purity. (Robert Tuck, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. |
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