Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange. Though I wrote for them the great things of My law,This phrase emphasizes God's direct communication with Israel through His law, which is a reflection of His covenant relationship with them. The "great things" refer to the comprehensive and profound nature of the Mosaic Law, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil instructions. The law was given to guide Israel in holiness and to set them apart as God's chosen people (Exodus 19:5-6). The law is not just a set of rules but a revelation of God's character and His expectations for His people. The giving of the law at Mount Sinai was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking them as a nation under God’s rule. This phrase also underscores the privilege Israel had in receiving divine revelation, a privilege not extended to other nations (Deuteronomy 4:7-8). Deu 31:24-26 When Moses had finished writing in a book… they regarded them as something strange. This part of the verse highlights Israel's failure to appreciate and adhere to God's law. Despite the clarity and importance of the law, the Israelites treated it as foreign or irrelevant. This reflects a spiritual decline and a turning away from God, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books. The term "strange" suggests that the people had become so distant from God's commands that they no longer recognized them as their own. This estrangement can be linked to their idolatry and assimilation of pagan practices, which led them away from the covenant (Hosea 4:6). The prophets often rebuked Israel for their unfaithfulness and called them to repentance. This disregard for the law foreshadows the coming judgment and exile, as the people failed to live up to their covenantal responsibilities. The New Testament echoes this theme, where Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for their legalism and failure to understand the heart of the law (Matthew 23:23). Jer 8:8-9 How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD… Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, Hosea's ministry focused on calling Israel back to faithfulness to God amidst widespread idolatry and moral decay. 2. Israel The Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, which had turned away from God, embracing idolatry and foreign alliances. 3. God's Law Refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel, which were meant to guide them in righteousness and covenantal faithfulness. Teaching Points The Value of God's LawGod's law is a treasure meant to guide and bless His people. When we treat it as foreign or irrelevant, we miss out on its intended benefits and wisdom. The Danger of Familiarity Breeding Contempt Israel's familiarity with God's law led to complacency and disregard. We must guard against taking God's Word for granted in our own lives. The Call to Return to God's Word Just as Hosea called Israel to return to God's law, we are called to continually return to Scripture, seeking to understand and apply it in our lives. The Consequences of Disobedience Ignoring God's law leads to spiritual decline and judgment, as seen in Israel's history. Obedience brings life and blessing. The Importance of Spiritual Discernment We must pray for discernment to recognize the value of God's Word and not be swayed by cultural or personal biases that deem it irrelevant. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hosea 8:12 reflect Israel's attitude towards God's law, and what are the modern parallels in our own lives?2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not treat God's Word as "something strange" in our daily walk? 3. How do the additional scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:6-8, Psalm 119:18, Jeremiah 6:16) enhance our understanding of the importance of God's law? 4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of Scripture? 5. How can we encourage others in our community to value and adhere to God's Word in a culture that often disregards it? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 4:6-8Highlights the wisdom and understanding that the law provides, contrasting Israel's disregard for it as mentioned in Hosea. Psalm 119:18 A prayer for understanding God's law, which Israel failed to appreciate, treating it as foreign. Jeremiah 6:16 Encourages seeking the ancient paths, which Israel ignored, similar to their treatment of God's law in Hosea.
People Hosea, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Egypt, SamariaTopics Accounted, Alien, Counted, Law, Laws, Manifold, Numerous, Precepts, Prescribed, Reckoned, Regarded, Rules, Strange, Stranger's, Ten, Though, Thousand, Thousands, Writing, Written, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 8:12 6616 atonement, in OT Library The BibleOh! how ten-thousand-fold merciful is God, that, looking down upon the race of man, he does not smite it our of existence. We see from our text that God looks upon man; for he says of Ephraim, "I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing." But see how, when he observes the sin of man, he does not dash him away and spurn him with his foot; he does not shake him by the neck over the gulf of hell, until his brain doth reel and then drop him forever; but … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855 And First, Can it be Said that Mammmon is Less Served by Christians... That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority. That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History. "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,", The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint. A Few Sighs from Hell; Hosea Links Hosea 8:12 NIVHosea 8:12 NLT Hosea 8:12 ESV Hosea 8:12 NASB Hosea 8:12 KJV Hosea 8:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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