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"They return, but not to the Most High"

Text: Hosea 7:16

FALSE RESPONSES

Israel may have appeared to return to God, but their hearts did not indicate true repentance.

“They return, but not to the Most High;
They are like a treacherous bow.
Their princes shall fall by the sword
For the cursings of their tongue.
This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.”
Hosea 7:16

1. “They return, but not to the Most High”

a) Israel’s return was at best:

i) Superficial

ii) Temporary

b) “But not to the Most High”

i) They did not actually repent from their sinful ways.

ii) They may have felt remorse and regret.

iii) They had not sought to change their ways which would have been proof of a genuine return.

2. “They are like a treacherous bow”

a) The bow could break when drawn too many times.

b) The bow could prove ineffective if it was made of inferior material.

c) Thus, this kind of bow cannot be relied on in times of war.

3. “Their princes shall fall by the sword for the cursings of their tongue”

a) Princes were often involved in war.

b) They were supposed to lead their troops into battle courageously.

c) But many of the princes of Israel were poor leaders:

i) They cursed and swore more than they fought valiantly against enemies.

ii) They will fall by the sword in battle.

iii) They would be defeated by their enemies.

iv) They would not be specially protected by the Lord because of their wretched sinfulness.

4. “This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt”

a) Israel sometimes fought Egypt.

b) It also sought Egypt’s help from time to time.

c) The nation that was so inconsistent and wicked would end up derided in the land of Egypt.