by:
11/16/2024
0
“Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously” (2). Hosea’s book ends with words that provide a pattern for repentance and restoration. He urged the people of Israel to acknowledge that no human leader or empire could be their refuge, and military power was not their salvation: “Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount warhorses” (3). Israel also needed to reject idolatry and false self-sufficiency: “We will never again say ‘Our gods’ to what our own hands have made” (3).
Finally, Hosea called on Israel to throw themselves on the mercy of God. “For in you the fatherless find compassion” (3). God always forgives and restores us when we run to Him. “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely” (4).