Articles
Uncertainty Of Riches
And Ephraim said, “I have certainly become rich, I have found wealth for myself; In all my labors they will find in me no wrongdoing, which would be sin” (Hosea 12:8 NASV). God’s people never escaped the lingering influence and deceit of their father Jacob. God did say that the older brother would serve the younger brother; still, God was not advocating or condoning deceit and lies. The two brothers, Jacob, and Esau played out their human drama; and years later, Israel practiced the deception of their infamous forebear.
Ephraim practiced deceit in his business dealings. False balances tipped the scales in his favor. The Lord expected His people to be fair in their dealings with each other and with all others. “You shall have accurate balances, accurate weights, an accurate ephah, and an accurate hin; I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:36). Ephraim became rich at the expense of others. The New King James Version of Hosea 12:7 says: “A cunning Canaanite! Deceitful scales are in his hand; He loves to oppress.” Here is an example of God’s people mimicking the sins of the nations around them. Amazingly, Ephraim believed that no wrongs had been committed. “There is no iniquity in me.” And there was no recognition of where his blessings came from. “I have found wealth for myself.” It is possible, in the short term, to sell one’s soul for a pot of porridge.
Jehovah brought Israel out of Egyptian bondage. As a reminder of their deliverance, they would celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles every year. They had been in bondage but escaped by God’s outstretched arm; dwelling tents should have reminded them of their dependence on their Creator. Did the Israelites forget about God’s power, even when, at the same time, they dwelled in tents? Why did God reenact this former time? “So that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:43). God’s message? Repent or I will again make you live in tents. You will forfeit your prosperity, your riches, your favored status as children of the living God. Israel did not listen to God; they did not listen to God’s prophets.
Israel followed the lead of idolatry and trusted in Baal. Incense and immorality crowded the tops of the mountains (4:11). Like a silly dove, Israel flitted from foreign nation to foreign nation, seeking security (7:11). They did not need God; they lived in palaces and fortified cities (8:14). Yet, they continued to offer sacrifices and continued to worship. “My God, we of Israel know thee” (8:2). In their self-delusions, they forgot about God. Their hearts were far away. “For I desire loyalty rather than sacrifice, And the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (6:6).
It is hard to trust in God when you trust in your riches. A New Testament church did this. “Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). We need to be careful about the things we love and about how we get them.
