Back to Hosea this morning: “For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim. Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” Hosea 3:4-5

And Israel has been indeed “many days” now without a “King” and without a Temple (“sacrifice”). The most surprising thing in this list is “terraphim,” likely a reference to the household idols Israel at times (dark, backslidden times) has utilized!

The overall point is the emaciated existence Israel has endured for centuries. A nation “without …!”

But Jesus is coming, her King!

And Israel will return to her Land, a land she did not even own until May of 1948, not inhabited by Jews since 70 AD anyway!

But somehow God will place in her a “hunger” for Himself! Israel will choose to “seek” her God. A very strong verb, “baqash,” which can at times mean “beg,” craving Him that intently!

From “without” to enjoying God’s “Goodness!”

Via the “Fear of the Lord,” faith and trust in King Jesus! And His shed Blood on Calvary, that which flowed so freely when our Lord was “pierced” on that old rugged Tree!

And when will this all happen?

“In the latter days,” meaning the Millennium!

I shall likely close every lesson hereafter (nearing the end of this series) with the prayer of Revelation 22:20 …

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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