Hosea 6: False Repentance

The message of Hosea 5, especially the threat to tear Israel and Judah like a lion, appears to have reached some ears listening to Hosea. Yet the appeal to return to the Lord in the first 3 verses appear to be flattering words. The Lord in verses 4-6 answers that the faith of both Ephraim and Judah fades away in the heat of the day. Their faith has no mercy or the knowledge of God. They have dealt with God's covenants treacherously. Their principle cities on both sides of the Jordan are defiled with blood and idolatry. The priests of Shechem, a central city of refuge, have failed to keep the roads in this path a route of safety. They may even encourage the thieves and murders on this road for their own advantage.