When God would heal Israel, Ephraim's iniquity and Samaria's wickedness are exposed - they practice falsehood, thieves break in, and bandits raid outside. They are like a heated oven whose baker sleeps; their kings fall while none calls upon God. Ephraim mixes with the nations like an unturned cake, gray-haired without knowing it; they are like a senseless dove calling to Egypt, going to Assyria - yet when God would redeem them, they speak lies against Him.
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Read Hosea Chapter 7 Summary
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Samaria
View on MapSamaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Egypt
View on MapEgypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Hosea's MarriageChapters 1-3
Israel's UnfaithfulnessChapters 4-10
Charges against Israel: idolatry, political intrigue, empty religion, coming judgment.
God's Faithful LoveChapters 11-14