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"Ephraim has encircled Me with lies"

Text: Hosea 11:12

A SHARP CONTRAST

A sharp contrast was made between Israel and Judah. The contrast had been obvious for years.

“Ephraim has encircled Me with lies,
And the house of Israel with deceit;
But Judah still walks with God,
Even with the Holy One who is faithful.”
Hosea 11:12

1. Ephraim and Israel

a) Ephraim was the leading tribe.

b) Sometimes, it represents the nation Israel.

c) This contrast with reference to the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

2. “Ephraim has encircled Me with lies”

a) This is not just a reference to the tribe of Ephraim.

b) It is a reference to the nation of Israel.

c) Lies had become a very real and deep problem for the nation.

3. “And the house of Israel with deceit”

a) Deceit is essentially dishonesty and guile.

b) Deceit was practised:

i) With reference to Man.

ii) With reference to God.

4. “But Judah still walks with God”

a) This does not mean that Judah was perfect and sinless.

b) Judah had many weaknesses and failings.

c) But at least it sought to walk with God even though imperfectly.

5. “Even with the Holy One who is faithful”

a) Israel had nineteen rulers altogether.

i) Every single one practised idolatry.

ii) Everyone promoted idolatry.

b) Judah also had a similar number of rulers.

i) Some were influenced by Israel and were idolatrous.

ii) But some who were good walked with God who was ever faithful to His people.