A Rebellious Heifer

O. T. #2040 "A Rebellious Heifer"

Hosea 4-Part 3

Oct. 6, 2021

LET IT GLOW

Living on a cattle farm, we have had heifers jump a fence in order to eat the grass on the other side of the fence. Sometimes I think they do it just because they can. It profits them nothing, for they are herded back into the field with others where green grass is available, also.. Now, there have been times that a heifer has shown others the way out, to jump also. Well, I call that rebellion, the blind leading the blind. Often times, that rebellious heifer is sold, in order to keep order with the herd. So it could have been with Israel-they could have caused Judah to stray into idolatry, so God gave Hosea these words of warning for them.

So far, the Judge, God, has brought accusations of sin against the nation of Israel, against their priests, and now against the spectators in the court.

The 10 Northern Kingdom nations, called Israel and Ephraim, had sinned by worshiping idols, allowing women to be prostitutes, and sacrificed to and sold out to the pagan god of Baal, instead of Jehovah Lord God.

Now, in verses 15-19, we read of the warnings to the spectators in the court:

• The remaining 2 faithful nations, known as Judah, remained faithful to worship God. Here they are encouraged to refrain from spiritual harlotry as Israel.
• Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend: and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, the LORD liveth. (verse 15)
• Judah was warned to not expose themselves to idol worshp in Gilgal and Bethel. Gilgal (circle, wheel) was the location of the school for prophets during Elisha's day. (2Kings 2:1; 4:38) Bethel (House of God) was renamed Beth-aven (house of iniquity).
• Judah was warned to not observe sinful practices, lest they become contaminated, too. Judah was to separate itself completely from all of the God-dishonoring practices of Israel. (2Cor. 6:17-18)
• If Judah proclaimed that the Lord liveth, they would mingle the True God with idolatry, which He forbade in Zeph. 1:5.  They were commanded to not take oaths there. Do not mix light and darkness, good with evil, for there is no fellowship.

LET IT GROW

• Israel was backsliding (apostasy; turning) like a heifer (a young cow that hasn't had a calf). She was stubborn (and rebellious, may I add). (verse 16a)
• So should the LORD feed her like a lamb in a lush pasture? (verse 16b)
• Judah was told to leave Israel alone, because they were married to idolatry, not God. (verse 17)
• Israel's rulers finish their drinking, then go off to find prostitutes. They love shame more than honor. (verse 18)

We find the result of Israel's sins in verse 19, So a mighty wind will sweep them away. Their sacrifices to idols will bring them shame.

In just a few years, some 20, Assyria would capture Israel, and they would no longer own the land, a part of their heritage, the Promised Land. Truly, they would be ashamed (bring to shame; cause shame; put to shame; with shame).

Their only hope of restoration is to recognize their guilt and seek (His) face. (5:15) God's favor, blessings, and fellowship are only accessible when we submit to the road of repentance.[Tony Evans]

Folks, the same is going to happen to America if we do not repent of our sins and turn back to God.

LET IT GO

Holy Spirit, bring conviction of our sins before we wander too far away from God.

Bring us to submit to the road of repentance.

Help us bring others to this road.

Faithful God, forgive us of our sins.

May we seek Your fellowship, Your way.