Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD. Their deedsThe phrase "Their deeds" refers to the actions and behaviors of the Israelites, which are central to the message of Hosea. In the Hebrew text, the word for "deeds" is "ma'asehem," which encompasses not only actions but also the moral and ethical implications of those actions. Historically, the Israelites were engaged in idolatry and social injustice, which were seen as direct violations of their covenant with God. This phrase serves as a reminder that God is deeply concerned with how His people live out their faith in tangible ways. do not permit them
The phrase "do not permit them" indicates a restriction or hindrance. In the context of Hosea, it suggests that the Israelites' sinful actions have created a barrier between them and God. The Hebrew root "natan" can mean to give or allow, but here it is used in the negative form, implying that their own choices have led to a spiritual incapacity. This serves as a warning that sin can have a binding effect, preventing individuals from experiencing the fullness of a relationship with God. to return to their God
"To return to their God" speaks to the concept of repentance, which is a central theme in the book of Hosea. The Hebrew word "shuv" means to turn back or return, indicating a change of direction. Historically, the Israelites were called to return to Yahweh, the one true God, from whom they had strayed. This phrase underscores the idea that despite their waywardness, God desires reconciliation and is always ready to welcome back those who repent. For a spirit of prostitution
The phrase "For a spirit of prostitution" uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew word "zenunim" refers to harlotry or whoredom, symbolizing spiritual adultery. This metaphor is powerful in its imagery, illustrating how Israel has been unfaithful by worshiping other gods. It serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and the spiritual consequences of turning away from God. is in their midst
"Is in their midst" indicates that the spirit of unfaithfulness is not just an external influence but is deeply embedded within the community. The Hebrew word "qereb" means inward part or midst, suggesting that this unfaithfulness is pervasive and internalized. This phrase highlights the depth of Israel's spiritual crisis, emphasizing that the problem is not just individual but communal, affecting the entire nation. and they do not know the LORD
The phrase "and they do not know the LORD" points to a lack of intimate knowledge and relationship with God. The Hebrew word "yada" means to know, often implying a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge. In the biblical context, to know the LORD is to be in a covenant relationship with Him, characterized by love, obedience, and faithfulness. This phrase indicates that Israel's spiritual adultery has led to a profound ignorance of God, underscoring the tragic consequences of their unfaithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope. 2. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, which had turned away from God and engaged in idolatry. 3. God (Yahweh)The one true God, who desires a covenant relationship with His people but is grieved by their unfaithfulness. 4. Spirit of ProstitutionA metaphorical expression indicating Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry, likened to spiritual adultery. 5. DeedsThe actions of the Israelites that reflect their rebellion and prevent them from returning to God. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinSin creates a barrier between us and God, preventing us from returning to Him. We must recognize the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. Spiritual AdulteryJust as Israel was unfaithful to God through idolatry, we must guard against allowing anything to take God's place in our hearts. Idolatry can take many forms, including materialism, pride, or self-reliance. The Importance of Knowing GodTrue knowledge of God goes beyond intellectual understanding; it involves a personal relationship and obedience to His will. We must strive to know God intimately and live according to His Word. Repentance and ReturnDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance is a crucial step in restoring our relationship with God, requiring a change of heart and actions. The Role of the Holy SpiritWhile the "spirit of prostitution" led Israel astray, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live faithfully and resist the temptations of the world. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does understanding the metaphor of spiritual adultery help us grasp the seriousness of idolatry in our lives? 3. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper knowledge of God and ensure that our relationship with Him is genuine and not just superficial? 4. How does the concept of repentance play a role in restoring our relationship with God, and what practical steps can we take to repent? 5. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us overcome the temptations and distractions that lead us away from God? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 3This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness and spiritual adultery to describe Israel's idolatry and calls for repentance. James 4:4This verse warns against friendship with the world, equating it to spiritual adultery, similar to the message in Hosea. Ezekiel 16This chapter provides a vivid depiction of Israel's unfaithfulness, using the imagery of prostitution to describe their idolatry. Romans 1:28-32These verses describe the consequences of turning away from God, highlighting the depravity that results from rejecting Him. People Benjamin, Hosea, Israelites, JarebPlaces Assyria, Beth-aven, Gibeah, Mizpah, Ramah, TaborTopics Acknowledge, Allow, Deeds, Doings, Frame, Habitual, Harlotry, Heart, Lewdness, Midst, Permit, Prostitution, Return, Spirit, Suffer, Turn, Whoredom, Whoredoms, Within, Won't, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 5:4 5017 heart, renewal
5064 spirit, emotional
5889 ingratitude
6189 immorality, examples
6239 prostitution
6512 salvation, necessity and basis
6628 conversion, God's demand
8764 forgetting God Hosea 5:3-4 6243 adultery, spiritual 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 5:4 NIVHosea 5:4 NLTHosea 5:4 ESVHosea 5:4 NASBHosea 5:4 KJV
Hosea 5:4 Commentaries
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