Hosea 7 Commentary

Hosea 6:11–7:16 records the LORD's description of Israel's motives as to why she remains so insensitive and unresponsive to His call. Israel's sins have become so deep that she is unable to return to the LORD to experience His abundant blessings. The nation has become like a senseless dove, fluttering aimlessly between various world powers rather than turning to God for all matters of life. Consequently, the LORD pronounces woe on Israel. The people will face threats and turmoil both internally and externally. The structure of the passage is as follows:

1. The LORD gives the reasons why the Israelites are insensitive to His call. They have plunged so deep into depravity that their evil deeds encircle them. Their lust for evil is like fire in an oven, which awaits the opportune moment to burst forth (vv. 11–7).
2. The LORD describes Israel's ignorance and vulnerability due to her pride. The nation has become like a senseless dove, flitting back and forth between trusting in Assyria and Egypt rather than turning to God, and trusting in Him (vv. 8–12).
3. The LORD pronounces woe on Israel. The nation will be destroyed because she has strayed from God and broken her covenant promise. Now the covenant provisions for breaking her promise will be enforced (vv. 13–16).