Daily Devotions
Hosea
"The pride of Israel testifies to his face"
Text: Hosea 5:5
AN ADDITIONAL PROBLEM
The problem of idolatry was in itself a very difficult problem to resolve. Added to this problem was the sin of pride.
“The pride of Israel testifies to his face;
Therefore Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity;
Judah also stumbles with them.”
Hosea 5:5
1. The sin of pride
a) Pride is a very subtle sin.
b) In a cluster of seven sins, pride heads the list (Proverbs 6:16-19).
i) A prideful person
ii) A liar
iii) A shedder of blood
iv) A heart that devises wicked plans
v) A person who swiftly runs towards evil
vi) A false witness
vii) A sower of discord
2. “The pride of Israel testifies to his face”
a) Pride shows on a person’s face.
b) The look of pride on a person testifies to his sin.
3. “Therefore Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity”
a) Ephraim was a leading tribe in Israel.
b) This tribe tended to be arrogant towards weaker tribes.
c) It bullies others.
d) He caused Israel to stumble by leading the nation to adopt arrogance in its stance.
e) Ephraim led the way in sin; but the other tribes were guilty for following the path of iniquity.
4. “Judah also stumbles with them”
a) Arrogance breeds arrogance. This was the case when Ephraim caused other tribes to follow it.
b) Sometimes arrogance sparked arrogance.
i) Judah sought to rival Israel.
ii) The things that triggered pride included Wealth and Military might.
Pride caused both Israel and Judah to refuse acknowledgment of their sins and need for repentance!