Old Testament: Hos 13.1

To read the Bible in a year, read Hosea 12–14 on December 12, In the year of our Lord 2021

By Don Ruhl 

Ephraim became a powerful and influential tribe in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is why sometimes in the Book of Hosea, the Lord speaks of Ephraim to represent all of Israel, as He does with Judah, although the Southern Kingdom consisted of both Judah and Benjamin, along with many Levites. Listen to how the prophet spoke of Ephraim, 

When Ephraim spoke, trembling,
He exalted himself in Israel;
But when he offended through Baal worship, he died.

– Hosea 13.1 

When Ephraim remained loyal to the Lord, the tribe had such power and influence that when they spoke, people trembled, but when Ephraim turned away from the Lord and turned to Baal worship, the tribe and then the nation died. So it happens with the nations of the world and with churches. 

Questions: 

• Have you seen your influence increase as you have walked with the Lord? 
• What do you think when you see Christians turn away from the Lord?