Hosea 10:1-4

Israel is an empty vine -- Hosea 10:1-4 : Israel was a very selfish and idolatrous nation. God had made them into a healthy vine covered with grapes. Sadly, the more prosperous they became the more altars they built to idols. The more prosperous Israel became, the more corrupt she became by making better shrines for pagan gods. Israel's heart was divided. They were deceitful and disloyal to their Maker. Their devotion was mixed, giving some to the true God but most to idols. God promised that they would pay for their sins because He would break down their altars. They wanted to serve God and idols, but this is impossible. God now does to them what they should have already, "break down their altars, and spoil their images."

God said the people would say, "We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?" (Hosea 10:3) When Assyria took Israel captive they were deprived of a king. It would do them no good as long as they did not fear God. "Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him." (Psalms 33:8) The fear of God encourages us to keep His commandments. Those that did not fear God will not keep His commandments. Israel broke their vows or the promises they made to each other and they even broke the promises they made to God. They vowed that they would serve God but did not keep their promises. God's judgment would come on them like poisonous weeds growing where healthy plants should grow.