Hosea 4: Destroyed For Lack Of Knowledge

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me.  And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children" (vs. 6).

These heavy words are delivered by God, via the prophet Hosea, to the religious establishment of Israel.  God is displeased that His priests and prophets are not fulfilling their role of righteousness in the nation.  Instead of bringing the people back to God, they are profiting from the nation's sins.  Therefore God throws them into the judgment as well: "And it shall be like people, like priest; I will punish them for their ways, and repay them for their deeds" (vs. 9).  Just like the people, the religious leaders have played the whore and been unfaithful to God!

The effect of this "lack of knowledge" among the people has been severe.  Because there is no faithfulness, loyalty, or knowledge of God in the land, "Swearing, lying, and murder, and stealing and adultery break out; bloodshed follows bloodshed" (vs. 2).  There is a burdensome duty and responsibility laid upon those who would serve as Israel's teachers.  And if they shirk their obligations, God promises they will regret it.

In verses 12-19, the prophet's description of the sorry state of things in Israel is enough to make anyone blush.  The people are guilty of idolatry and temple prostitution, as well as drunkenness and orgies (vs. 14 and 18).  On top of this, the nation stubbornly refuses correction.  It is looking very bleak for Israel.  What is God left to do?