34.
Both Ephraim (Israel) and Judah to be made aware of their sin by being smitten and wounding. Rather than turning to the Lord for help, Ephraim went to King Jareb of Assyria. Fittingly enough Jareb means, he will contend. The spirit and character of Assyria was a contrary spirit, especially against Israel and Judah. Because of their spiritual condition, they were bound to make the wrong decision in seeking help. To ally ones self with a contentious person can only produce more trouble and most certainly wrong advice. Once the path is chosen to walk contrarily to the will of the Lord all choices made only add to the problem. The only choice and real solution is to turn to the Lord. Hos. 5:13 The futility of seeking such an alliance and the results are found in 2 Chron. 28:20-26 Their hearts were set on false worship and practices. Their reasoning was clouded by their sinful spiritual condition. Prov. 15:9.
The fierceness of the anger of the Lord was to be as a ravening lion against both, Israel and Judah. Though they were separated and had become two different nations, it is very apparent that Israel had a profound effect on Judah. The punishment of both nations was certain and none would be able to rescue them. The Lord was about to snatch them out of their land and inheritance. There would be none who could rescue. Hos. 5:14 It may sound redundant but their only hope was to turn to the Lord. The solution to many problems which many face is very simple, yet made complex by a stubborn nature. Just repent and return unto the Lord. A full hearted seeking after the Lord will produce tremendous results. He wants to help. He wants to reveal Himself. Jer. 29:13
The Lord would totally withdraw Himself from them and leave them to their seeking of none existing gods who could not assist nor help them in any way. He would wait until they would come to themselves and return unto Him with repentance and confession. The Lord afflicted them that He might get their attention and turn to Him. Hos. 5:15 Not all the problems that are faced in life are of the devil. We may be quick to accuse him of our negative situations, but the Lord uses hardships as a means of grabbing our attention. It is a shame that the Lord has to go so far as to bring troubles and problems into our lives, but He does and He will. What does it take for us to return to the Lord? Drastic measures such as recorded in, Ps. 78:34? We reckon happiness to be when everything is bright and rosy and our problems at the worst are minor. The man of God is happy, when he is corrected of the Lord. Job 5:17 The real evidence of belonging to the family of the Lord is when we are disciplined. Heb. 12:5 The chastening of the Lord is not always easy or light. It can hurt and humble, but the end result is in a life of holiness unto the Lord. It’s payoff is tremendous. Heb. 12:11.