Hosea 8:13

"I wrote for him the many things of my law, but they were regarded as a strange thing."

Key Reflection

In Hosea 8:13, the prophet laments that despite God's efforts to guide His people through the laws and teachings revealed in the Torah, these instructions were not embraced by the Israelites. Instead of being seen as a means of guidance and covenantal relationship, the laws were treated with indifference or even hostility, much like foreign customs or strange doctrines that do not align with one’s established beliefs. This verse highlights the stark contrast between God's intentions for His people and their actual response, pointing to the deep-seated resistance to divine guidance present in their society at that time.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of Mine offerings, and eat it; but the Lord accepteth them not -As they rejected God’s law, so God rejected their “sacrifices,” which were not offered according to His law. They, doubtless, thought much of their sacrifices; and this the prophet perhaps expresses by an intensive form ; “the sacrifices of My gifts, gifts,” as though they thought, that they were ever giving. God accounted such sacrifices, not being hallowed by the end for which He instituted them, as mere “flesh.” They “offered flesh” and “ate” it. Such was the beginning, and such the only end.

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