"What will You give"
Text: Hosea 9:14
A SOLEMN PRAYER OF HOSEA
The prophets of God ministered in tough circumstances. One of their ministries was to pray. The first part was always intercession. But when a nation rejects every message from God, then the prophet has no choice but to offer prayers that seem harsh.
“Give them, O LORD-
What will You give?
Give them a miscarrying womb
And dry breasts!”
Hosea 9:14
1. “Give them, O LORD”
a) This is a normal way to pray for the prophets:
i) To bring petitions to the LORD.
ii) To meditate on what was at hand.
iii) To seek to understand God’s will.
b) Asking the LORD to give
i) Blessings?
ii) Glory?
c) Hosea could not ask for the above.
2. “What will You give?”
a) He ponders what the LORD would give.
b) The LORD had already warned them:
i) Of war
ii) Of suffering
iii) Of death
3. “Give them a miscarrying womb”
a) This may seem harsh.
b) But it is quite insightful and kind.
c) Better to have a miscarriage.
d) Than to give birth to children who would suffer terribly in war-time.
4. “And dry breasts”
a) This would lead to an early death for babies.
b) Death would be kind compared to all who have to live in terrible war conditions.