What does it mean to know God? As we go about our daily lives, have we inadvertently left God behind?
This chapter begins with a striking image - God commands a trumpet to be blown, a sign of warning of the impending destruction!
Out of desperation, the people of God hence cries out to God, claiming to know Him (Hosea 8:2). Yet, through this chapter, God proves to them why they do not truly know Him, concluding with "Israel has forgotten his Maker" (Hosea 8:14).
This reminds me of Matthew 7:21-23, where many claim that they have done mighty works in Jesus' name, but Jesus simply says He does not know them, as they do not do the will of the Father in heaven.
What warning can we take from Hosea 8, to ensure that we truly know Him?
Right from the start, God accuses His people of transgressing His covenant and rebelling against His laws (Hosea 8:1). The laws of God are supposed to be their glory (Deuteronomy 4:5-8), yet these people considered the laws of God to be a strange thing (Hosea 8:12).
How do we view God's laws today? To the world, it may seem strange but how about for us? Do the principles of the Bible seem archaic and out-dated? Remember that God's laws are perfect and give us life. His commandments are not meant to be burdensome (1 John 5:3). Rather, they keep us free from the chains of sin and allow us to experience true freedom and peace.
Moreover, though the Israelites supposedly sacrificed to God, God did not accept their offerings as He remembers their iniquity and sins (Hosea 8:13). Though they outwardly they worshipped God, in reality their hearts were after idols - the works of man (Hosea 8:4-6).
We may be involved in various church works today, but if we are still living in iniquity and sin, then who knows whether God will accept our service? Never forget that obedience is better than sacrifice, and that our cultivation should be the foundation of our service.
Though outwardly we seem to be serving God, do we have many spiritual idols like wealth, success and entertainment in our hearts? God is a jealous God and wants us to wholeheartedly worship Him.
God concludes with reiterating that Israel has forgotten Him, and that He will send a fire to destroy their cities and strongholds (Hosea 8:14). The consequences of forgetting God is not one to be taken lightly.
We may think we know God and have not forgotten Him, but may Hosea chapter 8 and Deuteronomy 8:11 be a good reminder for us.
"“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today," - Deuteronomy 8:11