Hosea 12:11-14

Israel provoked God to Anger -- Hosea 12:11-14: Gilead was a large area in Palestine known for producing many healing items but they had become terribly sinful. Now they will end up in ruin. Bulls were sacrificed to idols in Gilgal on altars made of stones. There were also idols scattered in every field. What a horrible picture of the national corruptions of the people of God. Places on each side of the Jordan were known equally know for their idolatry. Their worship was vain because it was devoted to false gods.

God said, "Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep." The purpose of this mention was to let Israel know the humble background of the man from whom they received their name and how God blessed him. The dependence of the nation of Israel upon God is seen in the words, "I sent the prophet Moses to lead Israel from Egypt and to keep them safe." Without God guidance and protection Israel would never have made it to escape Egypt. He preserved and protected them in the wilderness. Yet, they provoked the Lord with many acts of rebellion. Now God would make them pay for their terrible sins and for disobeying and insulting him. Israel would be chastised for their iniquity.