Bible Discussion Thread

I wonder what God meant in Hosea 4:5 by "I will destroy your mother." Isn't He speaking to the priests of Israel? What is the main truth behind this text?

As you started to read Hosea chapter 4, you would have noticed the extensive list of sins mounted against Israel & that certain judgement & destruction would follow. So in verse 5, the thought is that this judgement will fall upon the individual, the prophet (presumably those who falsely prophesied), & the mother (a reference to the whole nation, who mothered them). In verse 6, God speaks to this 'mother', that "He will (altogether) forget her children".

Yes, the priests are the focus here, as those who should have given out the knowledge of God through His Laws, thereby bringing restraint by the people towards such rampant sin, but failed to do so. As a result, both man & his land will be destroyed (taken away into Assyrian captivity) as punishment when they should have rather come to their senses & enjoyed the full blessings of God. How much we also deny ourselves by not following hard after the Lord by giving Him second place in our lives, when we have all the blessings of Heaven at our disposal & enjoyment.

Thank you Chris; thank you Lord for inviting me information that explains what I was questioning, I pray that the person on the other end of the screen is blessed