Hosea 8 to 14 Outline
Chpt. 8: This chapter of Hosea lists several specific illustrations of Israel's rebellious attitude as well as revealing God's coming judgment.
God, through Hosea, warns that trumpets should be blown to denote an impending battle which will lead to Israel's enemies pursuing her. Israel's pretense of devotion to the Lord is viewed as merely lip service.
Once again the people's idolatry is condemned as being sinful and foolish. The Lord also takes issue with the people's hypocritical ritualism that accomplishes nothing as it is void of obedience to his commandments.
[Are the Ten Commandments Still Valid?]
Chpt. 9: Hosea 9 begins by God condemning Israel's attitude of attributing its harvests to a pagan deity like Baal instead of himself.
Because of the people's sins the Lord warns of severe punishment and destruction. Israel's rejection of God's true prophets is also noted as one of the reasons behind the soon coming calamities.
The pain and suffering awaiting God's people will be so bad that Hosea asks if the Lord would cause women to be barren. This request is made to forestall further suffering.
The chapter ends with reiterating that Israel will be cast away because it refused to obey its Creator.
[Pagan Deities Israel Worshipped!]
Chpt. 10: Hosea 10 begins by pointing out that without proper reverence for God the people have no future. Ornate altars cannot hide the deceitfulness in people's hearts.
Israel's impending punishment at the hands of the Assyrians will lead to the removal of their king. This act will cause the people to reflect on what they did to deserve this correction.
God additionally reserves the right to gather nations against Israel, as a form of punishment, at a time he alone chooses.
In the end Israel's problems are squarely centered on trusting themselves and their own strength instead of God.
Chpt. 11: Hosea 11:1 is quoted as a prophecy by Matthew regarding Jesus and his family returning to Israel after the death of Herod the Great (see Matthew 2:15).
Hosea 11:5 predicts that Israel will soon be dominated and ruled over by the Assyrians.
In spite of Israel's punishments the Lord, because of his perfect love toward his people, will not allow them to be completely destroyed like Admah and Zeboiim. These two cities were among the surrounding villages also destroyed when brimstone rained down from heaven on Sodom and Gomorrah.
Chpt. 12: This chapter begins with Lord charging the Kingdom of Judah of also breaking his covenant just like Israel.
Hosea 12:8 rightly accuses Israel of falsely boasting its wealth and achievements is evidence that it is sinless before God!
The chapter closes with a reminder of how God's goodness and mercy watched over Israel early in its history.
Chpt. 13: The tribe of Ephraim in Israel, although once powerful, died spiritually when it led the other tribes to worship pagan gods.
Hosea 13:4 again asserts that Israel's God is the only one worthy of worship and the only one that can save people.
The Lord again reminds his people that his love for them was present while they were in Egypt. His care for them persisted when they were freed, when they wandered the wilderness and even when they entered the Promised Land.
The chapter closes with a chilling foretelling of the horrors Israel will experience due to its sins. The Assyrians, who excelled at brutality, will not only kill their infants they will rip open those who are pregnant to kill both baby and mother!
Chpt. 14: God closes Hosea by encouraging his people to repent and turn to him. If they do so they will be forgiven and mercy extended to them. He also promises to cleanse their hearts and abundantly bless them.
Hosea ends with some basic but profound words of wisdom.
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein (Hosea 14:9).