Hosea 8:12

Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange.

Study Bible

Though I wrote
This phrase emphasizes the direct involvement of God in communicating His will to His people. The Hebrew root for "wrote" is "כָּתַב" (katav), which signifies the act of inscribing or recording. This highlights the permanence and intentionality of God's revelation. In a historical context, writing was a means to ensure that important information was preserved and transmitted accurately. God's act of writing underscores His desire for His people to have a clear and enduring understanding of His expectations.

for them
The phrase "for them" indicates the intended recipients of God's law, the Israelites. It underscores the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people. This relationship is foundational to understanding the entire narrative of the Bible, where God consistently reaches out to guide, instruct, and correct His people. The law was given not as a burden, but as a guide to living in a way that reflects God's holiness and love.

the great things
The term "great things" reflects the magnitude and significance of God's law. The Hebrew word "רָב" (rav) can mean numerous, great, or important. This suggests that the law is not just a set of rules, but a comprehensive guide to living a life that honors God. It encompasses moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects, all designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation. The greatness of the law is also seen in its ability to reveal God's character and His righteous standards.

of My law
The "law" here refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's instructions for His people. The Hebrew word "תּוֹרָה" (torah) means instruction or teaching. It is not merely legalistic but is intended to instruct in righteousness and guide in the way of truth. The law is a reflection of God's covenant with Israel, a binding agreement that required obedience and promised blessing.

they regarded them
This phrase indicates the response of the Israelites to God's law. The Hebrew root "חָשַׁב" (chashav) means to think, plan, or esteem. It suggests a deliberate consideration or evaluation. Unfortunately, the Israelites' evaluation led them to dismiss the law, showing a heart attitude that was not aligned with God's desires. This reflects a recurring theme in the prophetic books, where God's people often fail to appreciate the value and purpose of His commandments.

as something strange
The word "strange" comes from the Hebrew "זָר" (zar), meaning foreign or alien. This indicates that the Israelites viewed God's law as something unfamiliar or irrelevant to their lives. This estrangement from the law is a tragic commentary on their spiritual state, as they had distanced themselves from the very words meant to guide and protect them. Historically, this reflects periods in Israel's history where they adopted pagan practices and neglected their covenantal obligations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, Hosea's ministry focused on calling Israel back to faithfulness to God amidst widespread idolatry and moral decay.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, which had turned away from God, embracing idolatry and foreign alliances.

3. God's Law
Refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel, which were meant to guide them in righteousness and covenantal faithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Value of God's Law
God's law is a treasure meant to guide and bless His people. When we treat it as foreign or irrelevant, we miss out on its intended benefits and wisdom.

The Danger of Familiarity Breeding Contempt
Israel's familiarity with God's law led to complacency and disregard. We must guard against taking God's Word for granted in our own lives.

The Call to Return to God's Word
Just as Hosea called Israel to return to God's law, we are called to continually return to Scripture, seeking to understand and apply it in our lives.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's law leads to spiritual decline and judgment, as seen in Israel's history. Obedience brings life and blessing.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
We must pray for discernment to recognize the value of God's Word and not be swayed by cultural or personal biases that deem it irrelevant.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hosea 8:12 reflect Israel's attitude towards God's law, and what are the modern parallels in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not treat God's Word as "something strange" in our daily walk?

3. How do the additional scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:6-8, Psalm 119:18, Jeremiah 6:16) enhance our understanding of the importance of God's law?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of Scripture?

5. How can we encourage others in our community to value and adhere to God's Word in a culture that often disregards it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:6-8
Highlights the wisdom and understanding that the law provides, contrasting Israel's disregard for it as mentioned in Hosea.

Psalm 119:18
A prayer for understanding God's law, which Israel failed to appreciate, treating it as foreign.

Jeremiah 6:16
Encourages seeking the ancient paths, which Israel ignored, similar to their treatment of God's law in Hosea.