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Israel of Hosea’s day had become exceedingly sinful. They lived for one purpose and that was to continue from day to day in their riotous living.The sin offerings became the property and food of the priest after it had been offered to the Lord. Lev. 6:26 As the people increased, their sin increased, their sin offerings in creased. Consequently, the food supplied to the priest increased. They lived on the sins of the people. From the statement made here the priests were well supplied and ate up the sins of the people. While at the same time the hearts of the people were determined to continue their life style. Hos. 4:8.
The priesthood failed to provide a leadership of righteousness but followed the example of the people by living in sin. Their offerings and worship before the Lord was a mere ritual, a cover up. The priest, regardless of his calling and office will not be exempt from the same judgment as the people. Hos. 4:9 There is a reward for sin. The wages of sin is death. Rom. 6:23 The Lord gave Jeremiah a strong word of rebuke for the prophet and priest. The Lord not only sees the actions which are taken, He also knows the motive behind such doings. The prophets were accused of having prophesied falsely, after their own hearts and with a message which pleased the people. The priests having become rich at the expense of the people were now using their wealth to control the very people who had made them rich. Jer. 5:31 Where is there any difference between then and now?
Sin cannot satisfy. The very greatest of the pleasures of sin are but for a fleeting moment. Then, the desire, the longing, the hunger returns and drives the person into even deeper sin. It is impossible for sin to establish a lasting satisfaction. In the ultimate it but drives the individual deeper and deeper into a life of dissatisfaction. The soul is left empty, the gnawing hunger continues to prevail. It is indeed, a vicious circle. Hos. 4:10 Their spiritual adultery with the gods of the heathen would continue and not cease. They would not hear the Word of the Lord. The Lord gave Isaiah a Word which most certainly fit those of that day and all who would cast aside the Word of the Lord. He said; they take counsel, but not of me. They cover with a covering, but not of my spirit. All with the purpose of continuing and adding to their sin. They are indeed rightly called rebellious children. Isa. 5:2 In the midst of all this strong language directed against Israel we must remember that this is a visitation of mercy. The Lord is giving them an opportunity to return unto Him. He had not as yet executed the judgment that He had promised. This is Divine action for the Lord to come with a warning before He fulfills His promise of His impending judgment. He is a God of correction and love.