God Will Be as a Lion - Hosea 13:7

In the book of Hosea, Hosea shared how Jehovah God said of Ephraim, “According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me”, and in chapter thirteen and verse seven of Hosea, Hosea shared how Jehovah God said, “I will be unto them as a lion” where we read,

Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:

The verse begins, “Therefore I will be unto them as a lion:” Hosea began with the words, “therefore I will be unto them” or “wherefore, then and on this account I, Jehovah God shall exist to them, Ephraim” “as a lion” which means “similar and in likeness to a roaring young lion with a mane”. Hosea shared how Jehovah God said He would be similar to a roaring “lion” because the people of “Ephraim” forgot Him. 

The verse goes on to say, “as a leopard by the way will I observe them:” Hosea continued with the words, “as a leopard”or “similar and in likeness to a spotted leopard” “by the way” which means “adjoining and next to the road or path” “will I observe them” or “shall I, Jehovah God, them, the people of Ephraim”. Hosea shared how Jehovah God said He would act similar to a spotted leopard adjoining the roadway. 

When we meditate upon Hosea's words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God was to involve Himself in an ambitious manner like a “lion and leopard” in the lives of the people of “Ephraim” because they ignored and forgot Him. God cared for the people of “Ephraim or Israel”, and He protected them, but they forsook Him and His ways. This is the same for many people today. God wants a personal relationship with every person, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind to make this possible. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and never have need that He lurk like a “lion or leopard” to observe us. 

Next time Hosea shares how Jehovah God says, “I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".