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"The spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray"

Text: Hosea 4:12

TURNING AWAY FROM GOD

What made Israel turn away from the worship of the LORD their God to idolatry? This was an enigma that puzzled the prophets of God!

“Harlotry, wine and new wine enslave the heart.
My people ask counsel from their wooden idols,
And their staff informs them.
For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray,
And they have played the harlot against their God.”
Hosea 4:11-12

1. “My people”

a) This is a general reference to Israel.

b) Judah was not excluded for some kings promoted idolatry as well.

c) Associated with the problem of idolatry:

i) Harlotry was used frequently with idolatry.

ii) Often the word “harlotry” was a symbolic word for “idolatry”.

d) Means used to attract people to idolatrous practices:

i) Wine

ii) More wine (New wine)

2. The practice of idolatry

a) Ask counsel from their wooden idols:

i) Some idols were made of wood.

ii) Worshippers came to ask for counsel.

b) Things people sought:

i) Directions in life.

ii) Cures for illnesses.

iii) Blessings for business.

c) And their staff informs them:

i) The staff was the wand that some priests used.

ii) The staff was used as a form of divination.

iii) Sometimes the predictions came to pass.

iv) This would convince some that the wooden idols were “powerful”.

3. “For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to go stray”

a) Psalm 106:37 sheds some light on the use of the word “spirit”.

b) The psalmist noted that people even sacrificed their sons and daughters.

c) These were sacrificed to demons!

4. “For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray, and they have played the harlot against their God”

a) Israel had deliberately chosen to worship idols.

b) Little did these worshippers know the extent of demonic involvement.

c) They can influence people to stray away from the Lord and to turn to wooden idols.