In Genesis 13:14-17, God promises Abraham two things: land and many descendants. And as history progresses, we see God being faithful and fulfilling these two promises to Abraham.

However, in Hosea chapter 9, we see God removing these two blessings from the people of Israel due to their sins.

Kicked out of the Promised Land

Even before they entered the Promised Land, God warned His people that if they did not keep His law, they will be vomited out of the land, just like the Canaanites before them (Lev 18:27-28; 20:22).

Unfortunately, the Israelites failed to heed this warning and played the harlot with other gods (Hosea 9:1), defiling the land with their idolatry.

As a result of their disobedience, they shall no longer dwell in the land of God (Hosea 9:3), with God casting them away (Hosea 9:17). They shall be taken into exile and be wanderers among the nations.

Unfruitful Vine and Barren Womb

God found Israel like grapes in the wilderness, like first fruits on the fig tree (Hosea 9:10). Indeed, Israel was fruitful and grew mighty in Egypt (Exodus 1:7, Psalm 105:24).

Yet, despite God's blessing upon them, the people turned to idolatry and harlotry. Even in the days of the wilderness journey, they worshipped the golden calf (Exodus 32) and were "joined to Baal of Peor" (Numbers 25:1-3, Hosea 9:10).

As a result, the people of God shall lose their glory and no longer be fruitful (Hosea 9:2, 11). Even if they tried to bring up children, God will bereave them and their children will be brought to the murderer (Hosea 9:12-13, 16).

God desires godly offspring (Mal 2:15). Passing on the faith from one generation to another is something that God often emphasised (e.g., Deut 6:4-9, Joshua 4:5-7).

Yet, Hosea 5:7 tells us that they bore pagan (i.e. strange) children. Through the signs performed by the prophet in Hosea chapters 1-3, the people of God were being compared to a harlot who goes after her lovers and gives birth to children of harlotry (Hosea 2:4-5). These are children of idolatry, children who do not know the God of their fathers.

This reminds me of Nehemiah 13:23-24 (which took place much later in history), where the people then had children who could not speak the language of Judah due to intermarriage with gentiles.

It is hence no surprise that God will give them miscarrying womb and dry breasts (Hosea 9:14). They are stricken, dried up, and shall bear no fruit (Hosea 9:16).

Summary

In Hosea chapter 9, we see a reversal and removal of the blessings which God had promised them. This is not something surprising as Moses had already warned them about this long ago (Lev 26:14-46, Deut 28:15-68).

Like the Israelites, we too are in a very blessed and privileged position. We are dwelling in Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-23). We are all joined to Jesus Christ the true vine and are able to bear many good fruits (John 15:1-8).

Let us take heed and not become unfaithful to God, lest we lose these blessings just like the Israelites lost theirs.

Questions to ponder over:

• How might we inadvertently "play the harlot" or have spiritual idols taking the place of God in our hearts?

• What is one small change we can make in our lives to be more faithful to God?