Reading 68 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Thursday, November 20, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Hosea 10:1–10   

Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars. Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars, and destroy their pillars. For now they will say: “We have no king, for we do not fear the Lord, and a king—what could he do for us?” They utter mere words; with empty oaths they make covenants; so litigation springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field. The inhabitants of Samaria tremble for the calf of Beth-aven. Its people shall mourn for it, and its idolatrous priests shall wail over it, over its glory that has departed from it. The thing itself shall be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim shall be put to shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his idol. Samaria’s king shall perish like a chip on the face of the waters. The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed. Thorn and thistle shall grow up on their altars. They shall say to the mountains, Cover us, and to the hills, Fall on us.

Since the days of Gibeah you have sinned, O Israel; there they have continued. Shall not war overtake them in Gibeah? I will come against the wayward people to punish them; and nations shall be gathered against them when they are punished for their double iniquity. (NRSV)

Reflection

Assuming you once had memorized the names of all the books of the Bible, could you still easily flip to Hosea? Our devotion topics have been covering passages from the Old Testament prophets. Hosea is considered one of the minor prophets, but writing attributed to him is included in the canon. Why?

The first verse suggests a reason: “Israel was a spreading vine.” My Bible’s footnote suggests the metaphor refers to the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, an invaluable treasure. That relationship enabled Israel (the Northern Kingdom) to prosper. But prosperity prompted the people to lose their way — build altars, become deceitful, idolatrous (even their leaders), and forsake the covenant. Printed in gold letters on the King James Version of the Bible presented to me when I was seven years old is “Rebecca Rhodes Dixon, Child of the Covenant.” Inside my pastor’s handwritten inscription repeats the phrase.

So Hosea is warning — prophesying — about the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Not a pretty picture. He asserts that God is paying attention.

The time is 2,700 years ago. Does this passage pertain to us? Do we Christians have a covenant with God? Do Americans, Christians in particular, have a covenant to believe and behave accordingly, plus remain steadfast, protect, defend, support, and help others? Do I have a covenant with God? Apparently my pastor thought so.

Prayer

Loving God, when there is strife and uncertainty, help me to figure out what my role is in understanding what’s going on and in the best way to help, following principles set down long ago in the covenant with your followers. Amen.

Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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