Daily Devotions
Hosea
"Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethel"
Text: Hosea 10:15
FALSE HOPES
Israel must not have false hopes in the war that Assyria would wage against the nation. False hopes would include the following:
1. That they could forestall the Assyrian invasion.
2. That they could negotiate their way out through offering tribute (money).
3. That their army was large and strong enough to withstand the might of the Assyrian forces.
4. That the idols they believed in would help them in this war.
5. That the LORD would give them a miraculous deliverance and defeat the Assyrian forces.
THE GRIM REALITY OF THE IMPENDING WAR
Hosea forewarned Israel of how the war would turn out. The Assyrians had already demonstrated their power and also their cruel treatment towards their enemies.
“Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethel,
Because of your great wickedness.
At dawn the king of Israel
Shall be cut off utterly.”
Hosea 10:15