A Merciful God

This section is all about deceit, cheating, success in business, and political intrigue. Jacob, whom God renamed "Israel," had lived a life of deceit, starting from his birth (See Genesis 25:21-26. The name Jacob means "he deceives.") From Israel, God built a nation to be his people.

The chapter is difficult, and if you have a copy of The Message (Eugene Peterson's translation), you may want to read it there.

The accusation is clear enough. The nation of Israel was no better than Jacob. At the time of Hosea, they were running to Egypt and Assyria for political support instead of relying on the God who had chosen them, saved them from slavery in Egypt, been with them in the wilderness, and brought them into the Promised Land.

God doesn't abandon people, ever. He didn't abandon Jacob, but met him face to face at Bethel ("house of God") and renewed his promises to him (Genesis 35:1-15). Jacob instructed his people to put away their foreign gods, and he returned with them, a changed man.

So the children of Israel were urged to "return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always" (v 9).

When we have done wrong, our instinct is to hide. God will always love us, find us, and invite us to return to him.

Respond in Prayer

Loving and faithful God, I can't begin to comprehend how much you love your people. You welcomed the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Thank you for your mercy. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Annabel Robinson