[:en]SCRIPTURE: HOSEA 7
“Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak lies against me. They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail upon their beds. They gather together for grain and new wine but turn away from me. I trained them and strengthened them, but they plot evil against me. They do not turn to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt” (Hosea 7:13-16)
A DESCRIPTION OF JEWISH NATION:
- They were like an oven with burning desires and intrigue passions. (vs. 4-6)
- They were like a flat cake not turned over. When the cake is burned or half baked, it must be thrown away. People did not realize that they have no depth to the religious experience. (v. 8-10)
- They were like doves strayed from God and rebelled against him. They were easily deceived and senseless calling help from Egypt and Assyria. (vs. 11-13)
- They were like a faulty bow which will fall by the sword. They gathered for grain and new wine but turned away from God. (vs. 14-16)
People of Israel were exposed to crimes. They practised deceit and did evil. They were all adulterers and drunkards with flaming passion. They turned to foreigners without realizing that they were being deceived and their strength being sapped. They sinned against God and lied to Him. They refused to be disciplined by the Lord. As a result, they will fall by sword and be ridiculed in the land of Egypt.
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