Chapter 22 - Hosea

[SusanB]

Here is a link to Chapter 22, both audio and written, http://jehovah-is-king.com/hosea/

This chapter is particularly attention grabbing because it uses the illustration of marital infidelity to impress on us how Jehovah feels when someone he loves dearly is unfaithful. It should be no surprise as to why our faith in Jehovah, in his word and in his promises should be a daily concern for each of us. In fact, any of you who have experienced or witnessed marital infidelity probably know how deep the wound goes. Friends of the parties often take sides. Children feel betrayed too because the entire family arrangement is threatened. The repercussions are wide ranging. Here is a quote from Chapter 22:

”The Watchtower featured the book of Hosea in a symposium at the 2004 Walk with God District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which articles were featured in the November 15, 2005, Watchtower. While adding valuable historical insights, predictably the Watchtower’s exposition of the prophetic significance of Hosea woefully distorts and ultimately conceals the vital message contained in the prophecy. For good reason, then, Jehovah poses the rhetorical question in the very last verse of Hosea: “Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is discreet? Let him know them.”

In the opening verse of Hosea, Jehovah commands his prophet, saying to him: “Go, marry a woman of prostitution and have children of prostitution, because by prostitution the land has turned completely away from following Jehovah.”

Jehovah’s intimate spiritual relationship with his people carries the same dynamics of emotions as a human marriage. By comparing his covenanted relationship to his organization of worshippers with that of a husband and wife in the sacred covenant of marriage, humans can better appreciate the resentment God must feel over the unfaithfulness of his people. By likening the nation of Israel to a cheating wife and himself to an offended and heartbroken lover, the prophecy of Hosea presents an all-too-familiar picture.

As demonstrated already in the presentation of the prophecy of Micah, only God is qualified to judge whether his people are actually honoring him wholeheartedly. Human opinion has no bearing on God’s judgment. Being a jealous God who demands and rightly deserves exclusive devotion, Jehovah rejects halfhearted devotion or divided affections from his worshippers. Jehovah confesses his love for the “sons of Israel,” but it is they, who, like an adulterous wife, betray his love by worshiping other gods. Hence, Jehovah says: “Do not rejoice, O Israel, do not act joyfully like the peoples. For by prostitution you have strayed from your God.” —Hosea 9:1”

 

[Medi-tator]

It should be no surprise as to why our faith in Jehovah, in his word and in his promises should be a daily concern for each of us.

Excellent!! /\ /\

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Here is a link to Chapter 22, both audio and written, http://jehovah-is-king.com/hosea/

This chapter is particularly attention grabbing because it uses the illustration of marital infidelity to impress on us how Jehovah feels when someone he loves dearly is unfaithful. It should be no surprise as to why our faith in Jehovah, in his word and in his promises should be a daily concern for each of us. In fact, any of you who have experienced or witnessed marital infidelity probably know how deep the wound goes. Friends of the parties often take sides. Children feel betrayed too because the entire family arrangement is threatened. The repercussions are wide ranging. Here is a quote from Chapter 22:

”The Watchtower featured the book of Hosea in a symposium at the 2004 Walk with God District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which articles were featured in the November 15, 2005, Watchtower. While adding valuable historical insights, predictably the Watchtower’s exposition of the prophetic significance of Hosea woefully distorts and ultimately conceals the vital message contained in the prophecy. For good reason, then, Jehovah poses the rhetorical question in the very last verse of Hosea: “Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is discreet? Let him know them.”

In the opening verse of Hosea, Jehovah commands his prophet, saying to him: “Go, marry a woman of prostitution and have children of prostitution, because by prostitution the land has turned completely away from following Jehovah.”

Jehovah’s intimate spiritual relationship with his people carries the same dynamics of emotions as a human marriage. By comparing his covenanted relationship to his organization of worshippers with that of a husband and wife in the sacred covenant of marriage, humans can better appreciate the resentment God must feel over the unfaithfulness of his people. By likening the nation of Israel to a cheating wife and himself to an offended and heartbroken lover, the prophecy of Hosea presents an all-too-familiar picture.

As demonstrated already in the presentation of the prophecy of Micah, only God is qualified to judge whether his people are actually honoring him wholeheartedly. Human opinion has no bearing on God’s judgment. Being a jealous God who demands and rightly deserves exclusive devotion, Jehovah rejects halfhearted devotion or divided affections from his worshippers. Jehovah confesses his love for the “sons of Israel,” but it is they, who, like an adulterous wife, betray his love by worshiping other gods. Hence, Jehovah says: “Do not rejoice, O Israel, do not act joyfully like the peoples. For by prostitution you have strayed from your God.” —Hosea 9:1”

Wise words indeed. I don’t think adultery ever heals either.

 

[SusanB]

Any bible student knows the story line of the errant nation of Israel and how Jehovah sent prophets time and again to call them to return to Jehovah, to ”know” Jehovah and to fully recognize and submit to his rulership. It is the same issue that was first reported in Eden and it is still the issue today. Because I wasn’t born or raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I had looked into a few religions and had been raised as a Roman Catholic. For me, I would never have considered becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses without the assurance that each of ushave a bible and we use the bible at every meeting. If something unscriptural is promoted, we should be able to recognize it and call it out. Even so, allowances were made with regard to human imperfection and in order to “manage” a growing religion numbering in the multi-million members. The term “slippery slope” comes to my mind when considering how an effort to organize a worldwide group can easily morph into rulership over other humans.

I think one frequent bible reminder that helps us make sense of the religious situation today, is that humans still have to “know” Jehovah and that can imply both punishment and salvation depending on the stubbornness of the individual.

Ezekiel 25:17: “I will execute on them great acts of vengeance with furious punishments, and they will have to know that I am Jehovah when I bring my vengeance on them.”

Ezekiel 28:26: “They will dwell on it in security and build houses and plant vineyards, and they will dwell in security when I execute judgment on all those around them who treat them with scorn; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah their God.”

Hosea 3:4: “It is because for a long time the people of Israel will dwell without a king, without a prince, without a sacrifice, without a pillar, and without an ephʹod and teraphim statues. Afterward the people of Israel will come back and look for Jehovah their God and for David their king, and they will come trembling to Jehovah and to his goodness in the final part of the days.”

 

[Servant-Leader]

@SusanB Ahhh yes.. the stiffed-neck people

 

[Servant-Leader]

I always put it as, "God prefers mercy and grace, until He sees that Grace will not work, at which time, as a good father, He chastises you. Listen to God when he speaks and skip the punishment."

 

[SusanB]

This subheading is something I‘ve been meditating on with the associated scripture:

“I AM WARNING ALL OF THEM”

While the demons were undoubtedly the unseen spirits instigating the Bethaven calf worship in the days of Israel, it was the very kings of Israel and the priests of God, the nation’s leaders, who were instrumental in misleading Jehovah’s people into apostasy and the snare of idolatry. That is why God said to them: “Hear this, you priests, pay attention, O house of Israel, listen, O house of the king, for the judgment involves you; because you are a trap to Mizpah and a net spread over Tabor. And those falling away have sunk deep in slaughter, and I am warning all of them.” (Hosea 5:1-2)

In view of his past successes in over-reaching and ensnaring God’s servants in idolatry, no one should imagine that the Devil is at all opposed to the idolization of the Watchtower in modern times. For a certainty, the demons promote anything that detracts from Jehovah’s glory— including the insidiously subtle worship of Jehovah’s “visible organization”!

Satan the Devil is without doubt the most ardent promoter of the Watchtower Organization; cleverly disguising such organizational idolatry as pure worship! An angel of light indeed! And a potential snare for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses during the judgment— as described at Hosea 5:1-2.

 

[SusanB]

This subheading is something I‘ve been meditating on with the associated scripture:

“I AM WARNING ALL OF THEM”

While the demons were undoubtedly the unseen spirits instigating the Bethaven calf worship in the days of Israel, it was the very kings of Israel and the priests of God, the nation’s leaders, who were instrumental in misleading Jehovah’s people into apostasy and the snare of idolatry. That is why God said to them: “Hear this, you priests, pay attention, O house of Israel, listen, O house of the king, for the judgment involves you; because you are a trap to Mizpah and a net spread over Tabor. And those falling away have sunk deep in slaughter, and I am warning all of them.” (Hosea 5:1-2)

In view of his past successes in over-reaching and ensnaring God’s servants in idolatry, no one should imagine that the Devil is at all opposed to the idolization of the Watchtower in modern times. For a certainty, the demons promote anything that detracts from Jehovah’s glory— including the insidiously subtle worship of Jehovah’s “visible organization”!

Satan the Devil is without doubt the most ardent promoter of the Watchtower Organization; cleverly disguising such organizational idolatry as pure worship! An angel of light indeed! And a potential snare for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses during the judgment— as described at Hosea 5:1-2.

Another thought to add to this subheading is the Latin phrase “qui bono”. Who benefits? I have to wonder who benefits from those who sit silently while idol worship takes place. It certainly does not glorify Jehovah. As far as those who stay so they can help brothers and sisters when the collapse happens, who would accept help from someone who sat silently while brothers and sisters were misled? Just the way my mind works.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

This subheading is something I‘ve been meditating on with the associated scripture:

“I AM WARNING ALL OF THEM”

While the demons were undoubtedly the unseen spirits instigating the Bethaven calf worship in the days of Israel, it was the very kings of Israel and the priests of God, the nation’s leaders, who were instrumental in misleading Jehovah’s people into apostasy and the snare of idolatry. That is why God said to them: “Hear this, you priests, pay attention, O house of Israel, listen, O house of the king, for the judgment involves you; because you are a trap to Mizpah and a net spread over Tabor. And those falling away have sunk deep in slaughter, and I am warning all of them.” (Hosea 5:1-2)

In view of his past successes in over-reaching and ensnaring God’s servants in idolatry, no one should imagine that the Devil is at all opposed to the idolization of the Watchtower in modern times. For a certainty, the demons promote anything that detracts from Jehovah’s glory— including the insidiously subtle worship of Jehovah’s “visible organization”!

Satan the Devil is without doubt the most ardent promoter of the Watchtower Organization; cleverly disguising such organizational idolatry as pure worship! An angel of light indeed! And a potential snare for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses during the judgment— as described at Hosea 5:1-2.

The scripture gives much weight to the blindness of “His people”. The more I have come to move away from watchtower and into the truth of the bible, the more I am in wonder of just how blind and deaf the brethren are to what is going on. I’m glad I endured watching their annual meeting. It really opened my eyes this year to the real depth of their superficial appreciation of the Spirit and their outright mockery of a supposed conversation between Jesus and Jehovah over the resurrection issue. I cannot get it out of my mind. It beggars belief. They claim to reason on the same level as the Creator as to the resurrection? The arrogance is breathtaking.

 

[SusanB]

The scripture gives much weight to the blindness of “His people”. The more I have come to move away from watchtower and into the truth of the bible, the more I am in wonder of just how blind and deaf the brethren are to what is going on. I’m glad I endured watching their annual meeting. It really opened my eyes this year to the real depth of their superficial appreciation of the Spirit and their outright mockery of a supposed conversation between Jesus and Jehovah over the resurrection issue. I cannot get it out of my mind. It beggars belief. They claim to reason on the same level as the Creator as to the resurrection? The arrogance is breathtaking.

And it shows we cannot read hearts, but when understanding a person’s reasonings we get a glimpse into who they really are. For me, I automatically think well of someone and I view them in a positive light until I have a reason to change my mind.

 

[SusanB]

I really enjoyed Chapter 22 because it highlights some scriptures that I had not connected with other scriptures. For example, Hosea harmonizes with Revelation the 12th chapter and also the restoration prophecies in Isaiah. Here is a quote from Revelation Chapter 12:5-6: “And she gave birth to a son, a male, who is to shepherd all the nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away to God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God and where they would feed her for 1,260 days.”

Here is a quote from the end of Chapter 22:

”The 12th chapter of Revelation similarly symbolizes the woman-like covenant of God giving birth to the Kingdom and then subsequently she is forced to flee into the wilderness during a time of trial and bitter persecution.

Hosea uses the very same imagery as Revelation, saying at Hosea 2:14: “Therefore here I am prevailing upon her, and I will cause her to go into the wilderness, and I will speak to her heart.”

After expressing his rage and indignation toward his adulterous organization, in his love and compassion Jehovah implores them to return to him, saying in the opening words of the 14th chapter of Hosea: “Come back, O Israel, to Jehovah your God, for you have stumbled because of your error. Come back to Jehovah with these words, say to him, ‘May you pardon our error and accept what is good, and we will offer the praise of our lips as we would young bulls.”

In spite of the unfaithfulness of his people, Jehovah is still willing to extend mercy and seek reconciliation with his estranged wife-like organization. How encouraging that is for Jehovah’s Witnesses to know! In spite of their hypocrisy, idolatry, apostasy, spiritual adultery and downright stubbornness of its leaders, Jehovah is willing to forgive if his people truly humbly repent and come back to Jehovah with words imploring his favor.

How wonderful to know, too, that Jehovah will still accomplish his purpose in connection with his Kingdom— in spite of the folly and error of his people!

The closing words of Hosea are truly touching and echo Isaiah’s prophecy in likening Jehovah’s refreshing life-giving spirit to the dew: “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will, because my anger has turned away from him. I will become like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily.” (Hosea 14:4-5)”

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I really enjoyed Chapter 22 because it highlights some scriptures that I had not connected with other scriptures. For example, Hosea harmonizes with Revelation the 12th chapter and also the restoration prophecies in Isaiah. Here is a quote from Revelation Chapter 12:5-6: “And she gave birth to a son, a male, who is to shepherd all the nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away to God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God and where they would feed her for 1,260 days.”

Here is a quote from the end of Chapter 22:

”The 12th chapter of Revelation similarly symbolizes the woman-like covenant of God giving birth to the Kingdom and then subsequently she is forced to flee into the wilderness during a time of trial and bitter persecution.

Hosea uses the very same imagery as Revelation, saying at Hosea 2:14: “Therefore here I am prevailing upon her, and I will cause her to go into the wilderness, and I will speak to her heart.”

After expressing his rage and indignation toward his adulterous organization, in his love and compassion Jehovah implores them to return to him, saying in the opening words of the 14th chapter of Hosea: “Come back, O Israel, to Jehovah your God, for you have stumbled because of your error. Come back to Jehovah with these words, say to him, ‘May you pardon our error and accept what is good, and we will offer the praise of our lips as we would young bulls.”

In spite of the unfaithfulness of his people, Jehovah is still willing to extend mercy and seek reconciliation with his estranged wife-like organization. How encouraging that is for Jehovah’s Witnesses to know! In spite of their hypocrisy, idolatry, apostasy, spiritual adultery and downright stubbornness of its leaders, Jehovah is willing to forgive if his people truly humbly repent and come back to Jehovah with words imploring his favor.

How wonderful to know, too, that Jehovah will still accomplish his purpose in connection with his Kingdom— in spite of the folly and error of his people!

The closing words of Hosea are truly touching and echo Isaiah’s prophecy in likening Jehovah’s refreshing life-giving spirit to the dew: “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will, because my anger has turned away from him. I will become like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily.” (Hosea 14:4-5)”

It is all based on love, faith and understanding. The meaning of acknowledging Jehovah comes through these prophesies, far more than to whom they apply, and when. These last 2000 years have been rather confusing.

 

[evw]

It is all based on love, faith and understanding.

how true, no clearer statement yet

 

[DavidCJ]

@Watchman In this chapter, it references Hosea 3:4-5 which it relates back to modern day spiritual Israel.

Since in verse 4 it says "many days/long time" could it be said that perhaps the maybe 30-60 years of steadily declining worship is long enough? The change accelerated for the worse in the 80's, all the way to today. But the ones with real force are even more recent such as the UN debacle in the 90's and covid debacle few years ago, ending with desolation of the holy place yet-to-be.

I'm not sure how Israel was for "many days" without a king, without a prince, without a sacrifice, without a pillar..." if those many days all happened as a fraction of the less than 150 years of the history of the organization. The gap between 1st century Israel and current day would make more sense. Because surely as flawed as Russell was, he was genuine hearted. One could argue the organization as a whole were such for few decades after the start.

 

[SusanB]

@Watchman In this chapter, it references Hosea 3:4-5 which it relates back to modern day spiritual Israel.

Since in verse 4 it says "many days/long time" could it be said that perhaps the maybe 30-60 years of steadily declining worship is long enough? The change accelerated for the worse in the 80's, all the way to today. But the ones with real force are even more recent such as the UN debacle in the 90's and covid debacle few years ago, ending with desolation of the holy place yet-to-be.

I'm not sure how Israel was for "many days" without a king, without a prince, without a sacrifice, without a pillar..." if those many days all happened as a fraction of the less than 150 years of the history of the organization. The gap between 1st century Israel and current day would make more sense. Because surely as flawed as Russell was, he was genuine hearted. One could argue the organization as a whole were such for few decades after the start.

Until the anointed are sealed I don’t think they could be referred to as Kings, although some claiming they are anointed are trying to begin their rulership now. But since Hosea 3:4-5 also says without a sacrifice and without a pillar, I’m wondering if the many days refers to the Great Tribulation. Good question.

 

[Watchman]

@Watchman In this chapter, it references Hosea 3:4-5 which it relates back to modern day spiritual Israel.

Since in verse 4 it says "many days/long time" could it be said that perhaps the maybe 30-60 years of steadily declining worship is long enough? The change accelerated for the worse in the 80's, all the way to today. But the ones with real force are even more recent such as the UN debacle in the 90's and covid debacle few years ago, ending with desolation of the holy place yet-to-be.

I'm not sure how Israel was for "many days" without a king, without a prince, without a sacrifice, without a pillar..." if those many days all happened as a fraction of the less than 150 years of the history of the organization. The gap between 1st century Israel and current day would make more sense. Because surely as flawed as Russell was, he was genuine hearted. One could argue the organization as a whole were such for few decades after the start.

Israel existed for 500 years without a king or a temple. That typifies how Christians have not had a permanent place in the Christian era. But the prophecy notes that in the final part of the days that will change. We will have a king when the Kingdom comes.

 

[DR75 less 1]

Israel existed for 500 years without a king or a temple. That typifies how Christians have not had a permanent place in the Christian era. But the prophecy notes that in the final part of the days that will change. We will have a king when the Kingdom come

The "Kingdom" was not Jehovah's idea, or part of Jehovah's original purpose. But it became a nesecary requirement under the ensuing circumstances. prehaps.

 

[DavidCJ]

Until the anointed are sealed I don’t think they could be referred to as Kings, although some claiming they are anointed are trying to begin their rulership now. But since Hosea 3:4-5 also says without a sacrifice and without a pillar, I’m wondering if the many days refers to the Great Tribulation. Good question.

Israel existed for 500 years without a king or a temple. That typifies how Christians have not had a permanent place in the Christian era. But the prophecy notes that in the final part of the days that will change. We will have a king when the Kingdom comes.

Here's the relevant paragraph:

“The sons of Israel” are in reality spiritual Israelites and “David their king,” is Jesus Christ. Seeing that the prophecy foretells “the sons of Israel will come back and certainly look for Jehovah their God” indicates that spiritual Israel is yet to become estranged from Jehovah due to the falling away of some of her anointed priests—thereby leading the organization into apostasy.

Hosea 3:4-5 says:

It is because for many days the sons of Israel will dwell without a king and without a prince and without a sacrifice and without a pillar and without an ephod and teraphim. Afterwards the sons of Israel will come back and certainly look for Jehovah their God, and for David their king; and they will certainly come quivering to Jehovah and to his goodness in the final part of the days.

Let's think about this a bit. The issue I have is the part, "spiritual Israel is yet to become estranged". Then when is the period prior to "pre-estrangement"? Between beginning of Bible students and Great Tribulation? Between Apostles and now? If it's the Bible Students then they are not be estranged until the GT? Does that mean the paragraphs in Hosea only applies partially, meaning we haven't had king/prince, but had sacrifice/pillar etc until then, or maybe like I said current anointed are Kings/Princes?

Alternatively, maybe it's talking about even greater things and the pre-estrangement lasts all the way from fall of ancient Israel all the way until sometime in the future, rather than JWs in general. Ok, this sounds problematic too. Because the activity was nearly zero from death of apostles until basically now.

Susan: Many days referring to GT doesn't harmonize with me considering what the Bible considers it short. Few years under distress as with the GT feels like a long time during those moments, but only. GT is "cut short". The "hour" of tribulation. Yet we know those are probably going to be more than few days, maybe more than few weeks even! The GT that started with desolation starting in 66 AD likely lasted months. In fact the JW video about Israel's destruction shows how Christians weren't able to escape for few months until the Romans suddenly retreated and that was their chance(backed by historical sources too).

 

[SusanB]

Here's the relevant paragraph:

Hosea 3:4-5 says:

Let's think about this a bit. The issue I have is the part, "spiritual Israel is yet to become estranged". Then when is the period prior to "pre-estrangement"? Between beginning of Bible students and Great Tribulation? Between Apostles and now? If it's the Bible Students then they are not be estranged until the GT? Does that mean the paragraphs in Hosea only applies partially, meaning we haven't had king/prince, but had sacrifice/pillar etc until then, or maybe like I said current anointed are Kings/Princes?

Alternatively, maybe it's talking about even greater things and the pre-estrangement lasts all the way from fall of ancient Israel all the way until sometime in the future, rather than JWs in general. Ok, this sounds problematic too. Because the activity was nearly zero from death of apostles until basically now.

Susan: Many days referring to GT doesn't harmonize with me considering what the Bible considers it short. Few years under distress as with the GT feels like a long time during those moments, but only. GT is "cut short". The "hour" of tribulation. Yet we know those are probably going to be more than few days, maybe more than few weeks even! The GT that started with desolation starting in 66 AD likely lasted months. In fact the JW video about Israel's destruction shows how Christians weren't able to escape for few months until the Romans suddenly retreated and that was their chance(backed by historical sources too).

Definitely things to think about and very interesting questions. My brain is still foggy this morning because I worked late, but off the top of my head, I would caution that sometimes we can read too much into a scripture. Don’t forget the general point of it and the context. Thank you for your post.

 

[DR75 less 1]

Definitely things to think about and very interesting questions. My brain is still foggy this morning because I worked late, but off the top of my head, I would caution that sometimes we can read too much into a scripture. Don’t forget the general point of it and the context. Thank you for your post.

Is 32:1-20. These words kick in during the last days/time of the end/ ( final part of the days ) as specified by Hosea. Actually Jesus being the King and the princes being a hiding place from the wind storm and a place of concealment. ( During the GT ) vs 1 - 3. More than likely "Kings of the Kingdom" while still alien residents still on earth, prior to getting the order to "Come up Here"

Since the Last days/time of the end/final part of the days have not quite kicked in. Or did I not get the memo prehaps.