Perhaps the most hurtful thing about Israel's behaviour was her ingratitude towards God. Even when Assyria was mobilising its forces and absorbing all the little nations as it expanded ever closer, Israel would not turn to Him (Hosea 7:10). Instead, in her arrogance, she acted as though she were some hotshot nation herself, trying to broker a deal with the big powers of the Middle East-Egypt and Assyria.

Hosea now ridicules Israel. He likens her, first of all, to a pancake that is uncooked on one side and burnt on the other (v. 8). Her foreign policy is half-baked. Then he likens Israel to an old man who refuses to accept his age (v. 9), for thinking that she is still the great Davidic Empire and can cut it on the international stage. She should have returned to God, but her arrogance blinds her (v. 10).

So, because she is like a frantic dove (v. 11), flying to Egypt one minute and to Assyria the next (depending on who looked strongest), God will catch Israel in His net and bring her down (v. 12).

God took the offence personally. He says, ″Woe to them, because they have strayed from me!″ (v. 13). He promises: ″For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt″ (v. 16). The very nation whom Israel looked to for help will scorn her. That's how grieved God is: He would rather let His people be laughed at than bless them in their rebellion.

Yet, notice God's longing for His people in verse 13: ″I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely.″ He aches to hear Israel cry out to Him in repentance, but they continue to pray to their pagan idols and ″turn away from [Him]″ (v. 14). God had trained them and strengthened them, but all they do is ″plot evil against [Him]″ (v. 15).

That was Israel's response to all the goodness God had shown her. How could He remain indifferent to that?

Heavenly Father, thank you for redeeming me, strengthening me, and training me. Help me not to be arrogant and think that I can do without you today. For your name's sake, amen.