Hosea 5 Commentary

In Hosea 5, the LORD continues His indictment on the northern kingdom of Israel. The nation has stumbled because all segments of its society are corrupt—from the common people to the priesthood to the royal family. Israel has gone deep into depravity, forsaking her covenant partner, Yahweh, and seeking satisfaction in pagan gods. The southern kingdom of Judah has also stumbled with her. Consequently, the LORD will judge both Israel and Judah for their rebellion, their violation of their covenant agreement with Him, and their resulting iniquities. His judgment will be two-pronged. He will withdraw His help and allow both nations to plunge into war. The chapter's outline is as follows:

1. The LORD calls the nation Israel along with her priests and king to hear His indictment because they have played the harlot and refused to return to Him (vv. 1-7).
2. The LORD commands to blow trumpets to announce judgment on Israel and Judah. He will withdraw His help and plunge His people into war so that they might acknowledge their guilt and earnestly seek His face (vv. 8-15).