Hosea 5:1-15
The prophet speaks particularly to Israel’s leaders: the priests and the house of the king. Those who ought to have set an example have become a snare to the people (v. 1). The result is terrible: "They have plunged themselves in the corruption of apostasy" (v. 2, JND trans.). In Hosea 4:15 the LORD had entreated Judah not to imitate Ephraim. In vain! Immediately after announcing the fall of the latter, v. 5 adds, "Judah also shall fall with them". What self-will and what pride on the part of these wretched Israelites! "They will not frame their doings to return unto their God" (v. 4). Moreover, as if nothing had happened, they draw near to the LORD with sacrifices. But they do not find Him (v. 6), for it is an insult to God to claim to fulfil religious service without the question of sins first being put right with Him. Ephraim discovers his sickness (v. 13). But instead of consulting the Great Physician, confessing his guilt (v. 15), he turns to Assyria. This is how many people act. When their conscience makes them ill at ease, rather than humbling themselves before God, they go and seek help and distraction in a world that is unable to cure them.