Author: Shalem John

Israel is chasing the wind, yes, shepherding a whirl. wind-a dangerous game! For she has given gifts to Egypt and Assyria to get their help, and in return she gets their worthless promises. 2 But the Lord is bringing a lawsuit against Judah, too. Judah also will be justly punished for his ways. 3 When he was born, he struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. 4 Yes, he wrestled with the Angel and prevailed. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from Him. He met God there at Bethel face to face.…

How prosperous Israel is a luxuriant vine all filled with fruit! But the more wealth I give her, the more she pours it on the altars of her heathen gods; the richer the harvests I give her, the more beautiful the statues and idols she erects. are false toward God. 2 The hearts of her people They are guilty and must be punished. God will break down their heathen altars and smash their idols. 3 Then they will say, “We deserted the Lord and He took away our king. But what’s the difference? We don’t need one anyway!” 4 They…

Oh h Israel, rejoice no more as others do, for you have deserted your God and sacrificed to other gods every threshing floor. on 2 Therefore your harvests will be small; your grapes will blight upon the vine. 3 You may no longer stay here in this land of God; you will be carried off to Egypt and Assyria, and live there on scraps of food. 4 There, far from home, you are not allowed to pour out wine for sacrifice to God. For no sacrifice that is offered there can please Him; it is polluted, just as food of…