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"A cunning Canaanite"

Text: Hosea 12:7

THE ORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF THE LAND OF CANAAN

The original inhabitants of Canaan were known for their idolatrous ways. They were also known for their wicked ways. Israel was warned never to learn the ways of the inhabitants of the land (Leviticus 18:3).

“A cunning Canaanite!
Deceitful scales are in his hand;
He loves to oppress.”
Hosea 12:7

1. “A cunning Canaanite”

a) This would have been a fitting description of the original Canaanites.

i) They were cunning.

ii) They resorted to trickery.

iii) They were generally wicked in their dealings with people.

b) This description was now used to describe Israel.

i) It had been influenced adversely.

ii) It had learned the ways of the land of Canaan.

iii) The children of Israel were no better than the Canaanites.

2. “Deceitful scales are in his hand”

a) Deceitful scales were expressly forbidden (Deuteronomy 25:13-15).

b) But Israel, like the cunning Canaanite carried deceitful scales.

i) The poor were exploited.

ii) The ignorant suffered at the hands of the cunning business men.

3. “He loves to oppress”

a) Many practised oppression.

i) The kings

ii) The judges

iii) The rich and powerful

iv) The land of Israel was no longer going to enjoy the protection and blessing of God.

b) Many were oppressed.

i) They have no recourse to justice.

ii) They could only cry out to God for His deliverance.

iii) And the LORD would hear the cry of the fatherless and widows and bring Divine judgment.