NOTES for Hos 4:1-19

A bleak picture appears before our eyes. Israel, the people of God, has forgotten His law and turned away from the knowledge of God. Prostitution and wine have taken possession of their hearts. In the Bible, prostitution often signifies a lapse into paganism, a betrayal of the covenant made with God. It is much easier to deal with pagan gods: they require neither moral purity nor faithfulness of heart, only sacrifices. The Lord expected a very different life from them. He calls them (and us!) to trust and rely on Him alone.