What does it mean to turn back to God? The entire book of Hosea is meant to answer that question, and its lessons are as relevant now as they were in the eighth century BC. Good intentions and verbal apologies are never enough. But there is a kind of returning that the LORD does accept. As Hosea 5 opens, God is indicting Israel’s king, as well as her priests, for their spiritual prostitution has defiled the whole nation. The lives of these leaders make it plain that they do not truly know the LORD, and their obvious commitment to sinning has made true repentance impossible (5:1-4). Even if they did seek God, because of their pride, they would not find Him. Their sacrificial offerings and religious rituals are meaningless to God. He simply refuses to relate to those who will not admit their wrongs. But His judgment is coming upon them, and their faithlessness will be repaid (5:5-7). More than retribution, God’s purpose is to induce repentance. Israel has relied on Assyria for support, rather than turning to the LORD. Of course, their plan will backfire, for God Himself will attack them. Yet they will not be utterly forsaken. The LORD will again make His presence known when the distress of His people moves them to acknowledge their guilt and seek His face (5:8-15). So at the start of chapter 6, the prophet issues a stirring plea for His fellow Jews to “return to the LORD.” They must “press on to know” Him, confident that the same God who chastened them will mercifully bind up their wounds. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear again! Just as rain showers make the fields fertile and allow crops to grow, so the LORD’s blessing will fall on all who turn away from empty religion to humbly pursue Him (6:1-3). Yet like a fog that’s gone by midday, Israel’s love for God was unreliable and often disappearing. They not only worshipped false gods, they also worshiped the LORD with false motives, trying to manipulate Him. They thought it didn’t matter what sins they committed, as long as they kept God happy by offering sacrifices afterward. But God rejects this attitude outright. As D.A. Carson points out, “A generation that lustily sings God’s praises while lustily sleeping around had better expect the blistering judgment of God” (6:4-6). Ever since Adam, the first man, forgot his covenant obligation to love the LORD, all humanity has rebelled against Him, and that includes Israel. The only way for any of us to escape judgment is to repent of our sin and turn to God, who provided salvation for us through the death of His Son (6:7-11). For further meditation: