Guest guest Posted July 21, 2005 Report Share Posted July 21, 2005 The most disturbing verse to me is: Hosea 9:16 - Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. Deanna I believe your quote from Hosea is a reference to God bringing judgement upon a wayward tribe of Israel (Ephraim) for their departure from following Him. If you examine some of the social practices of Israel at the time, many of the people had abandoned their faith in a monotheistic God, to become polytheistic in their beliefs. Part of this included sacrificial burning of, and killing of their own children, in order to please these gods. I agree that the Bible can be very graphic and socially disturbing at times. But again, it's a book of faith; not politics, art, history or science, though it may include those things. The Judeo-Christian view of God sees two sides to His character. It is a balance between love and justice. So, while He loves Ephraim, He cannot ignore their willful wickedness. To do so would be to change His innate character. Rebekah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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