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Removing The
Landmarks
Introduction:
Beginning with the
latter part of chapter 4 and continuing throughout the remainder of
the book, Hosea often uses Ephraim as the designation for Israel,
the northern Kingdom. Ephraim was the second son of Joseph- Manassa
being first, Genesis 41. But when Joseph's father Jacob blessed his
two grandsons, Ephraim received the greater blessing. From the time
of the exodus, Ephraim became one of the leading tribes. Possibly
because Joshua, Moses' successor, was from Ephraim. In the land of
Canaan, the tribe of Ephraim was given land in the central region-
including Bethel, Shiloh, and Shechem. When the Kingdom became
divided after the days of Solomon, Ephraim went with nine other
tribes and formed the northern Kingdom. They appointed Jeroboam, a
man from Ephraim, as their king. Thus began Ephraim’s influence in
the northern Kingdom.
Body:
1.
Hosea chapter 5: 1-3: idolatry is
found everywhere! Not only among nations
at large but also among priests and kings. These last two groups
were ensnaring nations to commit idolatry instead of helping them
avoid these traps. Mizpah, a city in southern Israel a few miles
north of Jerusalem, was a probable site of a Pagan religious shrine.
Mount Tabor, a mountain in northern Israel near the Sea of Galilee,
was the site of an idolatrous sanctuary. The point seems to be that
over the entire land, the nation of Israel, led by priests or
rulers, was committing idolatry, 2 Kings 17: 9 at 10. They would
receive severe judgment
slaughter; very possibly, child sacrifice was part of
Pagan idolatry! Jehovah would deal with them in accordance with
their crime. Any attempt to hide from God would be in vain. He sees
their defilement.
Verses 8-9
is the scene of a battlefield. Watchmen sound battle
alarms- 1 of warning concerning coming danger. 3 cities mentioned
Are all in a fairly straight line north of Jerusalem. All were close
to the border of Israel and Judah. The Prophet sees Ephraim.
Assyria is already attacking Israel. The invasion was going all the
way to the southern border. On the day the Lord rebukes the northern
Kingdom, desolation will result.
Verses 10
While Israel struggled Assyria, Judah attempts to
extend the borders of her territory by moving landmarks N. Is this
possibly why the tribe of Benjamin was told in verse 8 to look
behind you.
Versus 11-12
Being oppressed and broken would now describe
Ephraim, just as they had done to others in the past. Amos 4: 1 so
wind, reap the whirlwind! They walked according to man's command and
not gods! While both northern and southern kingdoms word to be
afflicted, Ephraim would be quick in coming. Ephraim, bad
infection- puss- laceration- rot-will take a while to destroy, while
Judah would yet be several years.
Verses 13-15
When Ephraim realized its condition, it should have
turned back to Jehovah. Instead it sought an alliance with the
Assyrians. There was no possibility of that working.
Lion- suggests ferocious attacks. Jehovah was using
Assyria to execute judgment. Purpose- 1 was to invoke repentance.
Seek the Lord once again when he desires to be found.
2.
Lessons to learn:
Read Deuteronomy 19: 14 and 27: 17. Here, it was a
very serious matter to change landmarks defining property lines. The
Bible sets out landmarks and boundaries that God sets. They are not
to be moved! In our day, many, even in the lord's church, are moving
these landmarks. Broadening the borders of fellowship in Christ
beyond God's boundaries. We have no right or authority to do this.
We have no authority to accept others as Christians, as those who
are saved, who, according to the bible, are not.
2 Timothy 2: 10, where are the saved? Answer: in
Christ Jesus. How did they get there? By faith alone? No- the demons
believe in tremble- James 2: 19. But faith is essential- Hebrews
11:6. By repentance alone? No- but it is necessary. Luke 13:3. by
confession alone? No - but it is necessary, Romans 10: 10. By
baptism alone? No, must be preceded by the above. But baptism is the
final act that places us in Christ, Galatians 3: 27. So no one who
has not obeyed the gospel as just stated is in fellowship in Christ.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford
October 6, 2024
The church of Christ at Granby
www.granbychurchofChrist.org
www.granbychurchofChrist.com
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