Watching The Step!

Reading through Hosea yesterday I was struck by a wording that seems very fitting for the choices that are opposed to God's Way. The statement is associated with judgment against Ephraim due to their departure from following God.

We read. . .
"Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, because he was DETERMINED TO GO AFTER FILTH." ( Hosea 5:11 ESV)

The Hebrew word translated "filth" is noted as being obscure and has therefore been translated differently among versions of the Bible. The English Standard Version has an alternate translation in the footnote as "to 'follow human precepts'." The New King James Version presents this idea as "willingly walked by human precept." One commentator has stated that the Hebrew word "saw" or "tsav" is possibly a corruption of "vanity" or that of "filth" (in the sense of "excrement"). [source: The Bible Knowledge Commentary] If this is so, the reference could possibly be with regard to following after idols with which corrupt and unholy practices were associated. Other commentators have merely aligned the statement with having followed the idolatrous calf worship that had been set up by Jeroboam.

Still, in the pursuit of their own desires, many do not realize what they are really stepping into. Instead of following God they have chosen a path of corruption, unholiness, and filth. It is the Way of God that is HOLY and PURE! That is the way we should be determined to go!

In Psalms we read. . .
"(9) HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE? By GUARDING IT ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. (10) With my whole heart I seek you; LET ME NOT WANDER FROM YOUR COMMANDMENTS!" ( Psalm 119:9-10 ESV)

And the psalmist Asaph wrote. . .
"YOUR WAY, O GOD, IS HOLY. What god is great like our God?" ( Psalm 77:13 ESV)
This is why -- like the Apostles -- we should resolve to "obey God rather than men" ( Acts 5:29) regardless of what else might be going on around us. Remaining on God's path will provide a safe place for walking on through life to the eternity He has prepared for us.

Have a great day DETERMINED TO FOLLOW GOD'S RIGHTEOUS PATH!
Carl

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