Images of Israel’s Sin

Hosea 7-8

            Chapters 7-8 use several images for Israel’s sin that make some important points about the nature of sin. First up, 7:3, in which they delight in sin. Sometimes we are caught up in sins and loathe ourselves for it (Romans 7:21-25). Other times we are so used to, habituated to, our sin that it becomes normal; we don’t even notice it as sin anymore. That’s delighting in sin!

            Second, I found the likening of sin to an oven powerful. But it’s not just any oven; it’s an oven that doesn’t need stirring because it’s always hot. What an image for the constant temptation of sin! Because sin is always ready to seize us, we need to be constantly aware of its burning in us.

            Finally, today I appreciated 8:7, “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.” My Bible’s cross-references remind me that we’ve read something similar before, but it’s an important reminder: play with the fire of sin and you get burned.

            So, today, a reminder to be on the watch for temptations to violate the Lord’s commands and to deal with our sin with immediate repentance. (Fortunately for me, my other devotions today included Psalm 86:5, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good!”)