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"They shall not dwell in the LORD's land"

Text: Hosea 9:3

A SOLEMN DANGER PRONOUNCED

There was an acute danger afoot. Israel had not considered how the Lord might chasten the nation for its dreadful sinful behavior.

“They shall not dwell in the LORD’s land,
But Ephraim shall return to Egypt,
And shall eat unclean things in Assyria.”
Hosea 9:3

1. “They shall not dwell in the LORD’s land”

a) Israel had forgotten that Canaan was God’s land.

b) The LORD was still the One who decide who may dwell in the land of Canaan.

i) God had driven out many nations because of their wicked ways.

ii) God would also drive Israel out of Canaan because of its evil ways.

c) God’s prerogative

i) The LORD owned the land of Canaan.

ii) It was His prerogative whom He wish to dwell in the land.

2. “But Ephraim shall return to Egypt”

a) Israel had once been enslaved by Egypt before Moses was sent to deliver the nation.

b) On more than one occasion the children of Israel voiced a desire to return to Egypt in the days of Moses.

c) In the days of the kings, Israel had sought the help of Egypt to fight its enemies.

d) One day, Ephraim would return to Egypt and be bullied again.

3. “And shall eat unclean things in Assyria”

a) God had warned Israel many times of how He would chasten the nation.

b) His prophets had pleaded with Israel to return to the LORD.

i) But Israel did not heed God’s servants.

ii) The nation continued to play the harlot.

iii) It continued to be steeped in wicked and sinful activities.

c) One day, Israel would be deported to Assyria as slaves.

i) They would have to eat what the Assyrians ate.

ii) Israel would never be able to keep the laws concerning unclean food.

iii) They would have a very miserable time in Assyria.

iv) This would be the harvest that would be reaped by Israel in years to come.