Hosea

Chapter 4

17. A Dread Mark Placed.—By continual resistance the sinner places himself where he knows nothing but resistance. When he disregards the calls of God’s mercy, and continues to sow the seeds of unbelief, the dread mark is placed over his doorway, “Ephraim is joined to his idols; let him alone” (Letter 51a, 1895).

Chapter 6

6, 7 (Micah 6:6–8). When Sacrifices Are Repugnant.—[Hosea 6:6, 7 quoted.] The many sacrifices of the Jews and the flowing of blood to atone for sins for which they felt no true repentance was ever repugnant to God. He spoke through Micah saying, [Micah 6:6–8 quoted].

Costly gifts and a semblance of holiness cannot win the favor of God. He requires for His mercies a contrite spirit, a heart open to the light of truth, love and compassion for our fellow men, and a spirit refusing to be bribed through avarice or self-love. The priests and rulers were destitute of these essentials to God’s favor, and their most precious gifts and gorgeous ceremonies were an abomination in His eyes (ST March 21, 1878).

Chapter 8

1. See EGW on Jer. 23:1.

Chapter 12

7. See EGW on Prov. 16:11, Vol. III.

Chapter 13

9. See EGW on Jer. 23:1.