Are you lacking in knowledge?

Hosea prophesied during the time of the Divided Kingdom of Israel. Both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah were worshipping pagan idols, and placing their trust in foreign alliances. Both rulers and people were equally corrupt.

To illustrate how utterly despicable God found their actions, God chose Hosea to be a prophet and told him to marry a prostitute. As Hosea’s wife whored herself out to others, transgressing against a husband who had given her an opportunity for a true loving relationship, so had Israel prostituted herself transgressing a loving God who had chosen her for His own people. (adapted from raisedtowalk.org)

My people – God has always acknowledged ownership of Israel. Israel is His chosen, His first-born (Exodus 4:22) and the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). Looking at this verse from God’s perspective and the background given above, helps us to understand His heart.  

Definition of “destroyed” – the original Hebrew word in the passage is “damah” which means to “cut off, cease, perish, bring to silence, liken, destroy, undone, utterly cut down. (Strongs, H1820)

Definition of “knowledge” in the Old Testament – the Hebrew root “yada” translated “know”/”knowledge,” has a wider meaning than the English word “know.” It includes perceiving, learning, understanding, willing, performing, and experiencing. To the Hebrew mind, “to know” is not to be intellectually informed about some abstract principle, but to apprehend and experience reality. Knowledge is not the possession of information, but rather its exercise or actualization. Thus, biblically to know God is not to know about Him in an abstract and impersonal manner, but rather to enter into His saving actions (Micah 6:5 ). (adapted from Biblestudytools.com)

Lack of knowledge – God didn’t say His people were completely ignorant. They had some knowledge, but not enough. They might have just enough to make them think they knew it all. That’s dangerous! (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.)

What kind of knowledge did they lack? In the context, firstly they lack the knowledge of God (Hosea 4:1). They knew God some – perhaps a little – but not enough. Perhaps they felt they knew God well enough already.

Secondly, they lack the knowledge of God’s word (“you have ignored the law of your God”). They knew God’s word some – perhaps a little – but not enough. Perhaps they felt they knew God’s word well enough already. (adapted from enduringword.com)

What are the causes of “lack of knowledge?”

1. Rejecting God’s word – Speaks of a deliberate decision not to accept God’s knowledge or His word. Many believers made important life decisions without consulting God or His word. Question: In what way have you rejected God’s knowledge?

• Ignoring God’s word – One example: be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2Cor.6:14). Personally, I have many friends who have gone ahead to marry nonbelievers and face a lot of problems thereafter. Ignoring the word of God is painful, and sometimes self-inflicted due to the ignorance of His word. Question: How have you ignored God’s word?

• Ignorance of God’s word – How many times have we heard it said – if only I had known 20 years ago, what I know now, how differently I would have acted. And often the answer to our mounting pressures in life is given in the Bible (2 Peter 1:3). Ignorance of God’s word can be very costly, and we would do well to take it to heart and apply it to our lives as the pressures of life continue to mount. (adapted from https://devotion.knowing-jesus.com/mounting-pressure)

I think in Life-Spring, we are less guilty of the above. Nonetheless, it’s prudent to take heed of its warning. Rather than rejecting or ignoring, we would more likely be neglecting God’s word in the midst of our mounting pressures.

So, have you been struggling and neglecting God’s Word? Do not lose heart yet. The final chapter of Hosea has an uplifting message. In the midst of judgement, God always gives a light of hope. He exhorted Israel to return to Him and He would turn away His anger. For us, we are privileged to have Jesus, our great High Priest who sympathises with us. He will forgive and strengthen us again. (Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.)

Prayer – Father, please help me to always put You and Your word as my first priority. Draw me to first come into Your presence before I start my day. And help me to delight in Your word; receiving from it Your life, love, strength and wisdom to fulfil Your will. All for the glory of Your name! Amen.