Hosea 6:4-11 Hewing Words.

Even Judah’s faithfulness was fleeting. Both Israel and Judah are torn apart by the LORD’s word from the prophets, which is light shining in a dark place (v. 4). Mercy and a knowledge of God are more important than religious activities of sacrifice and burnt offerings. It is always the way with sinful humanity to try and place God in a box of religious exercises, while greed, oppression, and injustice reigns. This is one reason why some people are opposed to the word of the prophets, not just for personal sin, but from corporate irresponsibility (vv. 5-6 Cf. Is. 1:12-13; Jer. 23:29; Mic. 6:6-8; Mt. 9:13; 12:7). This is sinful humanity trapped in the sin of Adam’s revolt in the covenant of creation (v. 7). This rebellion is treachery. These were persons who never were real members in the covenant of grace. They were evildoers, guilty of bloodshed and robbery, including the priests, so that leaders and people were together lewd, defiled, and guilty of harlotry or spiritual idolatry (vv. 8-10 Cf. 2:10; 4:2; 5:1; 10:11; Cf. Jer. 7:9-10; Ezek. 22:9; 23:27). Those trapped in the rebellion of that first covenant would be opposed by a faithful remnant of the covenant of grace, in a harvest of judgment to come (v. 11 Cf. Jer. 51:33; Joel 3:13; Mt. 13:39-43).