Samaria, Hosea’s “hometown” is right in the center of Israel. At the end of chapter 6, God says “a harvest is appointed to Judah”, but chapter 7 deals mostly with Israel. Israel (also referred to as Ephraim, Israel’s largest tribe) is a mess. All of their sin is visible, and God remembers it all, because they are unrepentant. Egypt and Assyria are larger powers, but they are the enemy.
As God would move close to heal and restore, more sin is exposed. Israel is playing into the government’s hand with their evil (vs 3) When the king had too much to drink at a party and mocked Ephraim, they were TICKED! Before their feelings were involved, they were so wishy-washy, not able to complete a task or make any lasting impression. The Israelites are half-baked, not playing either side very well. They are the butt of everyone’s jokes, and they are oblivious. They want to be BFFs with everyone, but because they are arrogant, they can’t stay friends with anyone. They pout and cry, throw a huge pity party, complete with snacks and wine. Any strength they have is from God, but they are too self-absorbed to notice. They return, but not with any good intentions. Their testimony is shot.
This chapter changes me because, wait, did that say Israel or Alicia? 
I can barely be bothered to be stirred up for God unless someone hurts my feelings, then I’m spoiling for a fight. For God or for my own win? I run to others for advice or venting, right past God, who would redeem me. I’m the queen of pity parties, using all the strength God gave me on pouting. “Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to Your steadfast Love!” Psalm 109:26
I can barely be bothered to be stirred up for God unless someone hurts my feelings, then I’m spoiling for a fight. For God or for my own win? I run to others for advice or venting, right past God, who would redeem me. I’m the queen of pity parties, using all the strength God gave me on pouting. “Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to Your steadfast Love!” Psalm 109:26
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