Hosea 4:1-3

Hosea 4:1-3

[1] Hear  the word  of the LORD,  ye children  of Israel:  for the LORD  hath a controversy  with the inhabitants  of the land,  because there is no truth,  nor mercy,  nor knowledge  of God  in the land.  [2] By swearing,  and lying,  and killing,  and stealing,  and committing adultery,  they break out,  and blood  toucheth  blood.  [3] Therefore shall the land  mourn,  and every one that dwelleth  therein shall languish,  with the beasts  of the field,  and with the fowls  of heaven;  yea, the fishes  of the sea  also shall be taken away. 

What does Hosea 4:1-3 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The remaining messages that Hosea recorded in this book continue to expound the themes introduced in the first two series (chs1-3). All five series of messages major on Israel"s guilt and coming judgment, but all conclude on a positive note promising restoration in the future. [1]
"At this point we leave the account of Hosea"s marriage and begin a new section, which extends to the end of the book and contains oracles of doom and hope. Even in this section, however, we are never far from Hosea"s marriage, for it is always in the background and is the catalyst for his message to his people. We see it in the references to the nation as mother and children, as well as in the numerous allusions to spiritual harlotry and adultery." [2]
Chapters4-14contain speeches that Hosea probably gave at various times in his long prophetic career.