2 Return, O Israel, unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast stumbled in thine iniquity. 3 Take with you words, and return unto the LORD; say unto Him: 'Forgive all iniquity, and accept that which is good; so will we render for bullocks the offering of our lips. 4 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we call any more the work of our hands our gods; for in Thee the fatherless findeth mercy.'Presently, there is an argument taking place in Israel. Some people here in Israel think that the IDF should act to disrupt Iran's nuclear program. Others say, "We can't go it alone. Only the United States has the military power to destroy Iran's nuclear ambitions."
I could not help but hear an echo of that argument in the Haftarah. The prospect of a nuclear Iran, plus the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood all over the Middle East, are certainly a cause for concern. When one sees rulers whose decrees are like those of Haman, it is impossible not to think of Teshuvah. Hosea is telling us what to say to God when we return to Him:
'Forgive all iniquity, and accept that which is good; so will we render for bullocks the offering of our lips. 4 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we call any more the work of our hands our gods; for in Thee the fatherless findeth mercy.'"Asshur will not save us". I hear, "The Unites States of America will not save us. President Obama is busy engaging the Muslim world. Not only that, he cannot even defend his own embassies."
"We will not ride upon horses". I hear, "The IDF is not going to help us either."
Who can we rely upon? Our Father in Heaven!
Just a thought.
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