Hosea 10

9–11 Israel had sinned since the days of Gibeah (verse 9); at that time the evil committed by the men of Gibeah resulted in God’s judgment falling on the tribe of Benjamin (Judges Chapters 19–20). Now God’s judgment was about to fall on the Israelites, and the instrument of His judgment would be the foreign nations that would gather against them—namely, Assyria and its allies. Then the Israelites would be punished for their double sin (verse 10)—the sins of rebelling against God and rebelling against the house of David (1 Kings 12:1–24). A yoke would be put on Ephraim’s neck, and Ephraim (Israel) would be forced into captivity in Assyria. Eventually Judah too would face captivity in Babylon; indeed, the whole house of JACOB (Israel and Judah) would fall under the yoke of foreign masters (verse 11).

12–15 In the midst of all these predictions of punishment, the Lord gives a word of advice and hope: “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love” (verse 12)“. . . . break up your unplowed ground; break up the hardness of your hearts, and sow the seeds of RIGHTEOUSNESS.” The Lord is asking the Israelites one final time to repent and to seek Him, so that He may once again shower righteousness on His people—the very thing they need most if they are to “sow” righteousness (verse 12). If we are willing to sow what God asks, He Himself will provide the seed.

Sadly, the Israelites kept on sowing wickedness instead of righteousness; they kept depending on their own strength instead of on the Lord (verse 13). Therefore, God’s judgment would fall, and all their fortresses—together with their king—would be completely destroyed (verses 14–15).