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"Like a stubborn calf"

Text: Hosea 4:16

MINISTRY TO A STUBBORN NATION

God had been graciously sending prophet after prophet to Israel. But the word of God seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Hosea described the state of Israel aptly in this word.

“For Israel is stubborn
Like a stubborn calf;
Now the LORD will let them forage
Like a lamb in open country.”
Hosea 4:16

1. “For Israel is stubborn like a stubborn calf”

a) The problem of stubbornness was addressed by Moses in his time.

i) This was a sin that had to be confessed to the Lord (Deuteronomy 9:27).

ii) This sin was associated with “wickedness” (Deuteronomy 9:27).

b) Expressions of stubbornness

i) Being stiff necked (Deuteronomy 9:13).

ii) Rebellion (Deuteronomy 9:23-24)

iii) Refusal to obey the Lord (Deuteronomy 9:23-24)

iv) Repeated sinning against the Lord, provoking Him to wrath (Deuteronomy 9:22)

c) A stubborn calf

i) Well-fed but refusing to obey its master.

ii) Israel followed its own sinful ways.

2. “Like a lamb”

a) The imagery was changed to a lamb.

b) A lamb in contrast:

i) Weak

ii) Defenseless

3. “Now the LORD will let them forage like a lamb in open country”

a) To forage is to look for food anywhere and everywhere it may be found.

b) The lamb would not be in a sheepfold with a shepherd looking after it.

c) “Open country”

i) The lamb would be in obvious danger.

ii) There would be predators that would prey on it.

iii) Israel would be open game for enemies that God would allow to invade the country.