Hosea 6 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 6

This chapter gives an account of some who were truly penitent, and stirred up one another to return to the Lord, encouraged by his power, grace, and goodness, Hosea 6:1; and of others, who had only a form of religion, were very unstable in it; regarded more the ceremonial law, and the external sacrifices of it, than the moral law; either that part of it which respects the love of the neighbour, or that which concerns the knowledge of God; and dealt treacherously with the Lord, transgressing the covenant, Hosea 6:4; particularly the city of Gilead is represented as full of the workers of iniquity, and is charged with bloodshed, Hosea 6:8; yea, even the priests were guilty of murder and lewdness, Hosea 6:9; and Israel, or the ten tribes in general, are accused of whoredom, both corporeal and spiritual, with which they were defiled, Hosea 6:10; nor was Judah clear of these crimes, and therefore a reckoning day is set for them, Hosea 6:11.