Hosea 9:1-4

THE PRESENT REJOICING OF ISRAEL CONTRASTED WITH THE DESPAIR OF THE EXILE, 1-9.

Hosea 9:1, marks a new beginning. The prophet beholds the rejoicing of the people at harvest time, perhaps at a joyous religious festival. Rejoicing at such a time is perfectly natural, but, judging from chapter 2, much of the celebration, though nominally in recognition of Jehovah’s goodness, was in reality in honor of the Baalim. This the prophet cannot endure. He warns the people not to be too exuberant (Hosea 9:1), for the occasions of rejoicing will soon cease. On account of their apostasy Jehovah will withdraw his blessings (Hosea 9:2); yea, they will be carried into exile (Hosea 9:3), where, upon an unclean land, joyful religious feasts can be celebrated no longer (Hosea 9:4-5); their own land will become a wilderness (Hosea 9:6). After announcing the impending doom the prophet points out once more the moral and spiritual apostasy responsible for the judgment (Hosea 9:7-9).