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"I will hedge up your way with thorns"

Text: Hosea 2:6

A TREMENDOUS DISPLAY OF MERCY

Israel’s worship of a golden calf nearly caused an end of God’s relationship with the nation in the days of Moses. Over the years, Israel’s idols multiplied. What hope was there that the nation could salvage its relationship with their Covenant God? God’s response to Israel was a tremendous display of deep and profound mercy!

“Therefore, behold,
I will hedge up your way with thorns,
And wall her in,
So that she cannot find her paths.”
Hosea 2:6

1. God could have divorced Israel

But He did not!

2. “Therefore, behold”

a) God was going to do something special.

b) The word “Behold”:

i) This is a call to pay close attention.

ii) God would announce His plans.

iii) This would result in special actions that would display His mercy.

3. “I will hedge up your way with thorns”

a) Hedges were used in those days for the following purposes:

i) For protection from potential threats from without.

ii) For preservation of those who are hedged within.

b) Thorny hedges

i) Enemies from without would think twice before they ventured into Israel.

ii) Israel would only hurt itself if it tried to force his way through the thick and thorny hedge.

4. “And wall her in”

a) This can take place in a number of ways.

b) It can be a siege that the enemy may set up.

i) The enemies would not rush in.

ii) Israel would not be able to get out of the siege easily.

c) Israel would then be cut off from the many deities that were outside.

d) Israel would be literally “walled in”.

5. “So that she cannot find her paths”

Israel would not be able to find an easy solution out of her predicament of being hedged and walled in.