How does Hosea 8:11 illustrate Israel's misuse of altars for sinning? The Text Itself “For Ephraim has multiplied altars for sin; they have become his altars for sinning.” (Hosea 8:11) Why Altars Existed in the First Place • God instituted sacrifice so His people could draw near to Him in repentance and worship (Leviticus 1:1-4) • One central altar was appointed at the tabernacle—and later at the temple—so worship would stay pure and unified (Deuteronomy 12:13-14) Israel’s Fatal Shift • “Multiplied altars” = setting up many unauthorized sites, ignoring God’s single chosen place • What they called worship became “sinning” because: – They blended in Canaanite rituals (Hosea 4:12-13) – They trusted the act itself, not the God who required obedience (1 Samuel 15:22) – They refused to tear down what God never approved (2 Kings 17:9-12) A Snowballing Problem 1. More altars meant easier, casual sacrifices—no heart change needed 2. Convenience replaced covenant loyalty 3. Idolatry and immorality flourished side by side (Hosea 4:1-2) Echoes in the Prophets • Isaiah 1:11-15—plenty of offerings, but God hides His eyes • Amos 5:21-24—festivals rejected because justice was absent • Jeremiah 7:9-11—“den of robbers” built around the temple itself What Hosea 8:11 Teaches Us Today • Religious activity multiplied outside God’s boundaries becomes sin, not worship • External forms can never substitute for a surrendered heart (Psalm 51:16-17) • Obedience matters more than spiritual “options” we design for convenience A Glimpse Toward Christ • The many corrupt altars cry out for the one true sacrifice “once for all” (Hebrews 10:11-14) • Only at the cross is sin finally dealt with; any other self-made approach repeats Israel’s error Take-Home Reflections • Guard the purity of worship: align practice with Scripture, not culture • Examine motivations: is the heart seeking God or soothing guilt? • Rely on Christ’s finished work, not on multiplied religious deeds |
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