Hosea 5 Commentary

The book of Hosea contrasts God’s faithfulness to Israel’s faithlessness. In the first three chapters, Hosea introduces the reader to Israel’s infidelity to their Suzerain (Ruler) God who entered into a covenant with Him, and spelled out the path they could take that would lead to great blessing. God’s covenant with Israel can be viewed as a marital contract. By using Hosea’s own marriage to his unfaithful wife, Gomer, God demonstrated that Israel is an unfaithful covenant partner. Israel had broken her vows to her Covenant Husband.

Throughout the rest of Hosea, Israel’s condition is described as disobedient, rebellious, and idolatrous. As God had warned, Israel’s adoption of pagan principles of self-indulgence led to exploitation, deception, and violence (Hosea 4:2). The people of Israel stood in need of repentance and genuine righteousness. Hosea called them to repentance, but Israel declined.

Israel spent years sowing to its own destruction, making and breaking alliances with the world’s superpowers at the time, Egypt and Assyria, dealing treacherously. Hosea describes Israel as acting like a “silly dove” flitting from one nation to the other, rather than turning to God for protection (Hosea 7:11). Thus Assyria will come and put Israel into exile, which God will use as a way of punishing Israel for its infidelity to its covenant with God (Hosea 11:5).

Through it all, however, the book offers hope to Israel. For although the Suzerain God invoked the discipline provisions of their covenant contract with Him, resulting in them being wounded grievously, in the end times He will heal them, revive them, and restore their blessings (Hosea 2:20, 14:7). May all who read this book find comfort and hope in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God!

In Hosea 5, the LORD continues His indictment on the northern kingdom of Israel. The nation has stumbled because all segments of its society are corrupt—from the common people to the priesthood to the royal family. Israel has gone deep into depravity, forsaking her covenant partner, Yahweh, and seeking satisfaction in pagan gods. The southern kingdom of Judah has also stumbled with her. Consequently, the LORD will judge both Israel and Judah for their rebellion, their violation of their covenant agreement with Him, and their resulting iniquities. His judgment will be two-pronged. He will withdraw His help and allow both nations to plunge into war. The chapter’s outline is as follows:

1. The LORD calls the nation Israel along with her priests and king to hear His indictment because they have played the harlot and refused to return to Him (vv. 1-7).

2. The LORD commands to blow trumpets to announce judgment on Israel and Judah. He will withdraw His help and plunge His people into war so that they might acknowledge their guilt and earnestly seek His face (vv. 8-15).

The Bible Project - Hosea Summary