My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; – Hosea 4:6
After traveling across the United States in 1831, the French sociologist, political theorist, and author Alexis de Tocqueville wrote a report on his findings. Titled “Democracy in America,” it became an influential book of its time. He wrote, “I sought for the greatness of the United States,” searching natural resources, school systems, government, and the like looking for it but not finding it. Then, he says, “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
If he made the same visit today, would de Tocqueville draw different conclusions? In the book of Hosea, the prophet writes to the northern kingdom warning them against their growing idolatry and calling the people to repentance. Speaking for the Lord, he writes to them about their lackadaisical, apathetic attitudes toward the things of the Lord. Bible scholar Adam Clarke called it Jehovah’s lawsuit against Israel and Judah. Not only were the people not interested in knowing God, they were even rejecting those who sought to influence them in the things of the Lord. God’s indictment was severe: “Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you.“ They would be rejected from knowing the power of God, His steadfast love, and His provision. Not only were the people consciously rejecting God, they were choosing to forget Him. Job’s friend Bildad declares, “Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish” (Job 8:13).
Pastor and author Dr. David Jeremiah says, “It is not the hearers and ‘knowers’ of God’s Word who will be blessed, but the doers. The knowledge of God’s Word is important—without it, God’s people have been known to suffer.“ To truly know the Word of God is to put it into practice, living it out and entering into deeper relationship with its Author, the Lord Himself. Pray for pastors and leaders in American churches to return to the deeper study and practice of Scripture. Pray for repentance and a return to “pulpits aflame with righteousness.”
Today’s Verse: Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;
because you have rejected knowledge,
I reject you from being a priest to me.
And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hosea 4:1-9
Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel,
for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land.
There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,
and no knowledge of God in the land;
2 there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery;
they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land mourns,
and all who dwell in it languish,
and also the beasts of the field
and the birds of the heavens,
and even the fish of the sea are taken away.
4 Yet let no one contend,
and let none accuse,
for with you is my contention, O priest.
5 You shall stumble by day;
the prophet also shall stumble with you by night;
and I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;
because you have rejected knowledge,
I reject you from being a priest to me.
And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
7 The more they increased,
the more they sinned against me;
I will change their glory into shame.
8 They feed on the sin of my people;
they are greedy for their iniquity.
9 And it shall be like people, like priest;
I will punish them for their ways
and repay them for their deeds.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
