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"I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel"

Text: Hosea 1:5

GOD’S SOLEMN WORD TO CHECK ISRAEL’S SINFULNESS

The Lord had to take stern action to check Israel in its downward decline to greater and greater sinfulness.

“It shall come to pass in that day
That I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.”
Hosea 1:5

1. “I will break the bow of Israel”

a) The bow was a symbol of war.

b) From the start, Israel had been engaged in warfare

i) With Judah, the Southern Kingdom.

ii) With neighbouring countries.

c) God will break the power of Israel .

2. “The Valley of Jezreel”

a) Ahab’s cruelty and murder of Naboth at Jezreel was never forgotten.

b) His deed in murdering Naboth and seizing his property symbolized his cruelty and wickedness.

THE WICKED REIGN OF THE OMRI DYNASTY

The Omri dynasty that reigned over Israel, the Northern Kingdom, was wicked on many fronts. A quick overview of the Omri dynasty:

1. Omri seized the throne and reigned for 12 years (1 Kings 16:21-28).

He was the one who made Samaria the new capital of Israel.

2. Ahab succeeded him and reigned for 22 years (1 Kings 16:28-22:40).

God raised up the mighty Elijah to oppose him.

3. Ahaziah succeeded him and ruled for just 2 years (1 Kings 22:51-53).

4. Jehoram (Joram)

He succeeded Ahaziah and reigned for 12 years. He was killed by Jehu with a bow (2 Kings 3-9).

THE CRUEL REIGN OF THE JEHU DYNASTY

Jehu was cruel and blood-thirsty. He was succeeded by four generations.

1. Jehu killed all members of Ahab’s family and those close to the family (2 Kings 10:11).

He also killed 42 princes of Judah who became associated with Ahab’s family (2 Kings 10:12-14).

He ruled for 28 years (2 Kings 10:36).

2. Jehoahaz succeeded him and ruled for 17 years (2 Kings 13:1).

3. Jehoash ruled for 16 years (2 Kings 13:10).

4. Jeroboam II reigned for 41 years (2 Kings 14:23).

5. Zechariah ruled for only 6 months (2 Kings 15:8-10).