Hosea 6

CHAPTER 6

Israel Unrepentant (6:1–11)

1–3 In these verses, Israel expresses a desire to return to the LORD (verse 1). The Israelites acknowledge that the Lord is the one who has punished them, but they express confidence that He will also heal them—after two days (verse 2), that is, after a short time.

4–6 However, the Lord knows that the Israelites’ REPENTANCE is only superficial; it will not last any longer than the morning mist or early dew, which quickly disappears (verse 4). This is why the Lord continues to cut the Israelites in pieces—to bring charges against them through His prophets (verse 5). The Lord is not interested in their false repentance; neither is He interested in their insincere sacrifices and offerings. What the Lord desires is mercy ¹⁹—that is, faithful love—love that is shown both to Him and to other people (see 1 Samuel 15:20–23; Isaiah 1:10–17; Micah 6:6–8 and comments).

7–11 Like Adam, the Israelites had broken the covenant (verse 7). Although the word “covenant” is not used in the Genesis account of Adam, Adam and Eve did break God’s clear command (Genesis 3:1–6). In the same way, the Israelites had deliberately broken God’s covenant commands.

In verses 8–10, Hosea describes some of the ways in which the Israelites had broken God's commands.²⁰ The chapter ends with Hosea once more reminding Judah that she would one day share in Ephraim’s harvest—that is, judgment (verse 11).