Hosea 10 - Introduction

It Is Time To Seek The Lord

-- Hosea Ten --

Israel was at first a fruitful vine. However their prosperity corrupted them. They turned from God and began to worship idols. The nation of Israel would now face the consequences of their actions. "Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images." (Hosea 10:2) The sad condition of the nation was brought about because the people did not fear the Lord. They had broken their covenant with God and now judgment has come.

Those that worshipped idols and bowed before the calves would now mourn because all the glory of those idols would now be taken away. Now they would fear because of this evil that they had done. Their idols would be carried away to Assyria and they would feel the shame of their ungodliness. Idolatry had fatal consequences that will last into eternity. Idolatry, "the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars." (Hosea 10:8)

Israel had worshipped a calf. Israel had sinned and now iniquity would overtake them. God pictured their idolatry with the plowing of a calf or heifer. The heifer would lead them to punishment.