How can rebellion make people stumble? (Hosea 14:9)
Who is wise? Let him discern these things! Who is discerning? Let him understand them! For the ways of the Lord are right; the godly walk in them, but in them the rebellious stumble. (NET Bible, Hosea 14:9)
Hosea 14:9
ESV - 9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
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Asked September 20 2019
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Tim Maas
Supporter
To me, the thought expressed here is similar to the words of Isaiah in Isaiah 8:14-15. A rock (representing God through His changeless commandments) can be a shelter, anchor, and protection to those who use it for those purposes through obedience. However, to those who disregard those commandments, that same rock represents an impediment that will cause them to stumble by their disobedience and rebellion, leading to their ultimately being "broken", as would happen if that rock fell on them. Paul and Peter use the cited verses from Isaiah in the same dual sense in Romans 9:33 and 1 Peter 2:6-8 with respect to Christ, referring to Him as a "precious cornerstone" who will not disappoint those who place their faith in Him, but as a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to those who reject or disobey Him.
Shirley H
Supporter
Hosea was called by God to declare God's word to the northern kingdom of Israel. He appealed to them by using the figure of an unfaithful wife, because of their devotion to idols and the forsaking of Jehovah. This verse forms the ending of the whole prophecy. The way of God's salvation is a step up for those who believe. Yet at the same time it is troublesome, a Rock of offense, for the unbeliever. 1 Corinthians 1:23, "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness." The cross was the way of redemption. It still is today. It is the foundation of God's way. Then and now, humans find it so difficult to just believe and receive God's blessing of life eternal!
Jay Saunders
Supporter
In 1 Samuel 15:23 the life of Saul, the first King of Israel, pretty much demonstrates the best example of what rebellion does for a King and a nation. Saul, after being rejected by God, chose the way of the occult rather than repentance. He was consumed by jealousy over David and pride, refusing to accept that David would rule after him rather than one of his own sons, even though David was his son-in-law. David was victorious as the King of a divided kingdom, and after repentance of sin in his own life. As King, he was never defeated while the kingdom was divided. The kingdom, after his sons ruled, was continually defeated when the kings chose other gods or became prideful and self-reliant. Just like the saying 'a house divided against itself shall not stand,' (Mark 3:25) America's war over slavery proved this scripture true; but the ending of slavery brought the nation back together with great loss of life. 1/2 million Americans died over the slavery issue. Rebellion in anyone's life hurts and affects many people in your personal sphere of influence. Our lives touch the lives of multitudes of people in so many large and small ways. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.1 Samuel 15:23 is a vital lesson to all who desire heaven as their final home. Pride comes before the fall, a haughty spirit before destruction. (Proverbs 16:18) Proverbs, the book of wisdom, says so. Selah!
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Proverbs 11:5 says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." - A lack of discipline and planning (linked to rebellion) can lead to negative outcomes. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." - This is a warning against arrogance and rebellion, which can lead to downfall. 1 Peter 2:8 says, "And they stumble because they disobey the word, to which they were destined." - This directly connects disobedience to stumbling, illustrating how rebellion against God's word can cause people to falter. Galatians 5:15, "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." - How internal strife and rebellion within a community can lead to destruction!
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