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Daily Devotions

Hosea

Hosea 
Day 
Day 108

"All their wickedness is in Gilgal"

Text: Hosea 9:15

A SIGNIFICANT PLACE ONCE UPON A TIME

Gilgal enjoyed a significant place in Israel’s history in the past. A quick review may be helpful.

1. It was the first place Israel camped at after they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan (Joshua 4:19).

2. This was the place where 12 Memorial Stones were placed (Joshua 4:20).

3. This was the place where the second generation from the wilderness had circumcision done (Joshua 5:1-9).

4. This was where they kept the Passover (Joshua 5:10).

5. This was the place where Joshua met the Commander of the army of the LORD (Joshua 5:13-15) (Gilgal was close to Jericho).

THE PLACE WHICH GOD NOW HATED

Hosea had to bring a solemn word to Israel concerning Gilgal. It was no longer a place God loved.

“All their wickedness is in Gilgal,
For there I hated them.
Because of the evil of their deeds
I will drive them from My house;
I will love them no more.
All their princes are rebellious.”
Hosea 9:15

1. “All their wickedness is in Gilgal”

a) It was at Gilgal that King Saul offered a profane burnt offering (1 Samuel 13).
b) Saul was rebuked for not keeping the Lord’s commandment (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
c) Gilgal became a symbolic name for:
i) Wickedness
ii) Rebellion against God
iii) False and unacceptable worship

2. “For there I hated them. Because of the evil of their deeds”

a) Gilgal became a center for idolatrous worship.
b) Much evil was perpetrated in this place.

3. “I will drive them from My house”

a) Gilgal was once honoured with being “God’s house” (Hosea 8:1).
b) God would no longer regard Gilgal as His house of worship.

4. “I will love them no more. All their princes are rebellious”

a) The Lord’s special love for Gilgal was withdrawn.
b) The princes of Israel were like Saul who rebelled against God’s commandments.