📖English QT(2 kings 17)
In time of crisis we seek out people who can help us. Hoshea, the last king of Israel, was no exception. Hoshea sends envoys to Egypt in order to escape the Assyrian rule and discontinues the tribute he was paying to the king of Assyria.
When the king of Assyria learns about Hoshea’s betrayal, he invades Samaria and conquers Israel. So after nine years of Hoshea’s reign, Israel ceases to exist and the people of Israel are exiled to Assyria. Prophet Hosea likens the Israel’s act of seeking the help from Egypt to that of a dove that is “easily deceived and senseless (Hosea 7:11).”
Hoshea and others probably have spent a lot of time and energy seeking to save Israel. And they probably concluded that fortifying the relationship with Egypt would give them the best chance of survival. But to God, this was a foolish decision. Yes, seeking help from those who had previously enslaved them is a foolish thing to do. But then again, maintaining a rela- tionship with Assyria would not have been any wiser either.
Likening king Hoshea to a senseless dove is not because he betrayed As- syria but because he betrayed God by sinning against God. (17:7-9)
People normally think that forging a relationship with someone who can be beneficial to them is a wise thing to do. But those who see themselves as God’s people must understand that true wisdom is valuing the relationship with God above all relationships and depending on God’s help in life.
We must remember that while people often try to use their power and influence to control and manipulate other people for their own benefit, God uses God’s mighty power and strength to liberate people from sin and lead them to a life of true freedom. (John 8:32)
🎼 Simply trusting everyday
