God has had enough. In this figurative court of law, He is exposing Israel's crimes. Hosea now presents evidence for Israel's unfaithfulness. Some scholars and Bible translators believe that the section comprising verses 11-14 begins and ends with proverbs about Israel's lack of understanding. Sandwiched in between are the things that have made her foolish: drunkenness (Hosea 4:11), consulting idols for guidance (v. 12), and offering sacrifices at the hilltop pagan shrines (v. 13).

The men went up to these ″shady″ places (v. 13) to worship Baal by having sex with a shrine prostitute. It was supposed to encourage Baal to make the crops grow. Was it any wonder that the younger generation was turning to sexual immorality?

But notice how God will not punish the women for their lifestyle (v. 14), nor the wives for their affairs; it is the men He will hold responsible. They thought they could indulge in their drunken orgies without suffering the consequences, but all around them were the sad results of unfaithfulness and instability in their children's marriages.

Hosea directs his attention to Israel's sister nation, Judah. In essence, he gives Judah three warnings: ″Watch out, Judah, that you don't catch Israel's idolatry and immorality, or you'll be next in the dock!″ (v. 15, paraphrased).

″Watch out for Israel's religion!″ (v. 15, paraphrased). Gilgal and Bethel were two of Israel's shrines. But ″Bethel″ (which means ″house of God″) has now become ″Beth Aven″ (″house of evil″). God warns Judah to keep away from such places of worship. Even Israel's liturgy had become corrupt-now they couldn't even say ″As surely as the Lord lives″ without it sounding like a chant to Baal.

″Watch out for Israel's obstinacy!″ (v. 16, paraphrased). God longs to be a shepherd to Israel, but like a stubborn bull she won't budge. Tragically, for the people of Israel and those like them, there can be only one result-″a whirlwind will sweep them away, and their sacrifices will bring them shame″ (v. 19).

What a warning! God is love, but He is not soft. If we resist God and dig our heels in, it will not end well. ″A people without understanding will come to ruin″ (v. 14).

Heavenly Father, help me to have true understanding, and so live to please you. In the name of Christ, amen.