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Reflect
Our focus today goes back to the Northern Kingdom and its capital, Samaria. Imagine Hosea did evil in the eyes of the LORD, but not like the kings who preceded him (v. 2). In effect, he would be the last ruler of Israel (v. 5-6). What Moses had foreseen in Deuteronomy 27-30 was going to happen.
The description of the decline of the Northern Kingdom because of flagrant disobedience to God and His ways reads like a Shakespearian tragedy. Take time and enumerate what the writer recounts. Compare it with the warnings of Moses in the aforementioned passages.
Repopulating a conquered nation is an old political strategy. Verses 24-40 describe what happened. The idolatry continues with the same disastrous effects. When a nation adopts various religious systems, worldly values, life views, or some form of syncretism (that odd blending of beliefs), it will never be in step with the devotion and loyalty the Creator God demands.
Respond
LORD God, as I read this passage I am sad. There are consequences for not following your instructions and listening to your voice. May your Spirit speak to me today so that I hear you and do what you want me to do in every area of my life. Amen.
Glenn Smith
Dr. Glenn Smith is married to Sandra and together they have three daughters, Jenna, Julia and Christa and two granddaughters They are the pastors of a missional community network in their church in Montréal – a multi-site congregation in five locations. Glenn did his graduate studies at the Université d’Ottawa and his doctoral thesis at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was the Executive Director of Christian Direction in Montreal 1983 – 2018. He is the Dean of the Faculty of Practical Theology at Presbyterian College at McGill University and the the Institut de théologie pour la francophonie, accredited by Université Laval. He also teaches in Haïti. Publications: co-author of Espoir pour la ville; Dieu dans la cité (Hope for the city, God in the city); Following Jesus: God invites us to transformative discipleship and author of City Air Makes You Free.