Hosea 8-9

“To me they cry, “My God, we—Israel—know you.” Israel has spurned the good ...They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not” (8:2-4). The prophet Hosea said that Israel claimed to “know” God, but they were seeking power on their own terms. God had promised to be their protection and provision, but they were trying to find abundance and win by human methods. “With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction” (8:4). Sadly, their silver and gold only led them further away from God.

“For Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces ...” (8:14). True abundant life can only be found under God’s authority and care.