The last days prophecy in the book of Hosea has much to do with today’s version of Israel’s “northern kingdom,” since obviously the original Northern Kingdom called “Israel” consisting of 10 tribes in the time of the prophets has not existed since it went into exile in Assyria hundreds of years before Christ’s arrival. Today’s scattered, “lost” sheepdo not get near enough attention in today’s prophecy discussion as they should.
(Interpretation note: proper names in the Bible that sometimes tip us off that we are reading about today’s ‘northern kingdom’s people and/or land include house of Israel, ‘Ephraim,’ and ‘Samaria.’ For the purposes of this passage, I will use these terms, as well as ‘Israel,’ to be essentially interchangeable in representing today’s ‘northern kingdom,’ which in large part exists within the United States, its land and its people. These prophetic terms are all used in the book of Hosea. One caveat I will offer is that there may be an even deeper prophetic meaning to the people of ‘Ephraim,’ which could relate to a particular, single family bloodline and/or even an individual end times figure in select cases. Regardless, this does not impact the holistic interpretation of scripture and top level prophetic themes provided in this passage.
One thing is clear. These aforementioned names are sometimes used in a future (i.e. prophetic) sense in scripture, and there obviously does not currently exist a clear northern kingdom of ‘Ephraim’ or ‘Samaria’ that is constrained by geographic boundaries as these existed before the ancient northern kingdom’s exile. Thus, we must strive to make an interpretation for yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies provided in scripture that uses these names).
Hosea’s life story as a picture
This last days prophecy about God’s people, ‘Israel,’ is encapsulated in the picture of Hosea’s personal life. God called on Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute, who was a symbol of unfaithful Israel- an Israel that worshiped Baal and false idols. This is the same wicked ‘Israel’ (northern kingdom) such as the one that the Prophet Elijah was highly disconcerted about.
In the story, Hosea’s wayward, adulterous wife Gomer is ultimately exposed and punished for her sins by God. At this time she finds that her other “lovers” are no longer around and that they have deserted her (recall our ‘Daughter of Zion’s story of abandonment in a prior passage); and so she returns to her first husband, Hosea, who also represents God’s relationship with his people, ‘Israel.’
In grace, God calls her/’Israel’ back, and removes her foreign gods and the “names of Baal” from her lips in a time of distress representing the last days. He says, “in that day, you will call me my ‘husband’…” And similarly, to ‘Israel,’ whom God had written off as “not my people,” we are told prophetically that God will eventually say, “You are my people” and they will also be told, “You are the sons of the living God” (Hos. 1:10). They will respond, “Thou art my God” (Hos. 2:23).
The story of the last days ‘northern kingdom’
With that story as background, I will proceed with the parallel story of end times ‘Israel’/’Ephraim’ (i.e. today’s ‘northern kingdom’), which I believe is largely if not completely represented within the United States where the vast majority of remaining Jews of the world reside after considering the country of Israel. The primary “chapters” of the story in this passage include:
- Background
- Problems of an anti-Christ Chaldean-ruled society
- A turn to ‘Egypt’ and ’Assyria’- i.e. the new world order
- Destruction comes
- God hides his face
- A house of Israel remnant is saved for regathering in the Millennial kingdom
While the story in these chapters will demonstrate the slow process of ‘Israel’/’Ephraim’ in the U.S. going away from God, and then finally returning to him (via a remnant) there is an important subplot that is interwoven throughout. It has to do with the house of Judah remnant that also resides in this current day ‘northern kingdom’ (U.S.). This righteous remnant (see my prior passage on the Judah remnant), appears to receive special favor from God, including some of its last days players who I have already addressed on this site (i.e. ‘David,’ ‘Daughter of Zion,’ and ‘Jacob’). This particular Judah remnant are obviously Jesus Christ believers who are the tried and tested early on in the last days purging and refining process.
Background
Through the Prophet Hosea God reflects with pleasant thoughts about ‘Ephraim.’ God refers to Ephraim originally being called “out of Egypt” and is sentimental about loving him as a child. He says, “I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by the arms…” (Hos. 11:3). So, I ask here: Is it possible that God’s pleasant, reflective thoughts are about how the U.S. originally came out of ‘Egypt’- i.e. the “world”- and largely began as a bible-believing, Christ-believing, Christ-serving country, with a governing body of laws and principles that originally referred to the God of Israel numerous times?
God said that when he first saw Israel’s fathers (in a future days context relative to Hosea’s time), “It was like finding grapes in the desert” or “early fruit on the fig tree.” (Those who study prophecy understand the possible application here for a later, last days “fig tree generation”). ‘Israel’ in Hosea is also referred to as a land that prospered and a “spreading vine bringing forth fruit.” So, this appears to be somewhat of a “re-birth” of the ‘northern kingdom’ of Israel and God’s sheep as largely represented within the United States. Recall that Ephraim’s grandfather Jacob foretold about him that his “seed” would become a “great nation.”
What happened?
Somewhat predictably, God’s people ‘Israel’ and ‘Ephraim’ in the U.S. turned away over time. They fell away to the anti-Christ Chaldeans and began worshiping other gods and their sinful practices in this new ‘northern kingdom.’ Scripture says that they, “consecrated themselves to that shameful idol.” A clue of this we are given in scripture is that, ‘Israel’ “embellished his sacred pillars” (Hos. 10:1).
In the book of Hosea God revisited the original “out of Egypt” experience for the house of Israel. This story sums up exactly what has taken place in today’s ‘northern kingdom.’ In reminding of the original exodus as a ‘picture’ here God says:
I cared for you in the desert…when I fed them they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. (Hos. 13:4-5)
Sound familiar? Does it also sound like a snapshot of what has taken place over time in the U.S.? God has watched his sheep in the U.S. closely and as represented by Gomer’s punishment he foretold, “I will ruin her vines and fig trees” (Hos. 2:13). The anti-Christ Chaldean army have been more than happy to assist with stripping the vines of God’s people over time- a process that is very likely ongoing.
Problems of an anti-Christ Chaldean-ruled society
Today’s ‘northern kingdom,’ ‘Israel,’ largely contained within the U.S., looks like the one the prophet Elijah was dismayed about and lamented for. Elijah summoned God, troubled that the Israelites of his day had, “rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death by the sword” (1 Ki. 19:14). Elijah said that he felt like he was the only one left.
I have discussed on this site several of those (‘Jacob,’ ‘David,’ etc.) in the ‘northern kingdom’/Israel-(the U.S.) who might feel the same as Elijah as they will battle against the massive anti-Christ Chaldean army. Hosea, referring to this last days time period, might have been referring to one or more of these figures when he remarked, “the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired man a maniac” (Hos. 9:7). Hosea equates this ‘prophet’ to the “watchman over Ephraim” who finds snares awaiting him on all his paths. Hosea sums up about modern-day ‘Ephraim,’ “the(ir) prophets stumble” (Hos. 4:5).
So, to begin with, the last days U.S. society that Hosea described as having “sunk into deep corruption” (Hos. 9:9) is “oppressed and trampled in judgment” and persecutes and wars against its people of God. Have we seen this before? Is it happening right now?
Typical, hallmark problems of a Chaldean-infiltrated society
All of the typical markers of an anti-Christ Chaldean-dominated society are present in the current day ‘Israel’/’northern kingdom’ in the U.S., including among both its leaders and its people alike. You are familiar with these by now: Lying; cheating; stealing; robbery; murder; etc. Hosea also frequently referred to rampant sexual sin in this society. Like Gomer, they commit vile adultery and in fact, “they are all adulterers” (Hos. 7:4). Referring to this issue and his Judah remnant God says here, “Let Judah not become guilty” (Hos. 4:15). Otherwise, it follows that the outcome of an anti-Christ Chaldean, Baal-worshiping society that commits highly organized, intentional sexual sin becomes filled with “children of adultery” and “illegitimate children” (Hos. 5:7). This is likely a reason why God says a couple of times through Hosea that when his punishment comes (aside from his escaped, saved remnant) children will not be spared.
Recall from my prior passage that the anti-Christ Chaldean army is actually a tool used by God himself against his people for their punishment in the last days. All of the above represent organized, coordinated lawless activities to carry out Satan’s destruction on this earth, especially against God’s people in countries where they live, such as the U.S. (house of Israel and ‘Ephraim’) where ‘Israel’ themselves have pledged. Those who join the Chaldean army we are reminded through Hosea have: “taken false oaths” (Hos. 10:4); “burned incense to images” (Hos. 11:2); and “sacrificed to Baal” (Hos. 11:2). They are anti-Christ.
Finally, it is important to recall here that the anti-Christ Chaldeans are Babylon’s global army. This is why we are told, “Ephraim mixes with the nations; Ephraim is like a cake not turned” (Hos. 7:8). God says through Hosea that “foreigners sap (‘Ephraim’s) strength” without him knowing. This happens in the U.S. society as a result of the anti-Christ Chaldean’s code of silence, blood oaths, and surrender to slavery for serving the powerful, corrupt rulers of the world, many of whom are not even U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, at the family level, part of their plan is to intentionally infiltrate and mix among God’s people.
A turn to ‘Egypt’ and ‘Assyria’- i.e. the New World Order
Scripture in the book of Hosea repeats multiple times that ‘Ephraim’ will again be like God’s people of old, and will turn, against God’s wishes, to ‘Egypt’ and ’Assyria’ in the last days. As I have mentioned in prior passages, ‘Egypt’ and ‘Assyria’ in the end times generally represent pieces of global Babylon existing under the umbrella of a soon-to-be new world order. The large Chaldean traitor presence that is already in the U.S. (as described in the section above) will make this initial escape appear much easier at first than it may seem on the surface. But they will be caught and exposed as discussed in the following section.
The factor that drives ‘Ephraim’s run to the new world order is that God’s punishment against him (the U.S.) for his sin and unrepentant heart has begun. Americans and their leaders and ‘Israel’ within will refuse to seek the Lord, even in their troubles. So, when ‘Ephraim’ discovers his “sickness” and turns for help what ‘Ephraim’ does not realize is the very source of his sickness is the same place where he turns; that is, the anti-Christ Chaldeans. Recall that the Chaldean dialectic is to deliberately cause problems and then be there to provide the solution, thereby, increasing their hold on power and control. This is why God berates and mocks this move:
Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless- now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. (Hos. 7:11)
Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. (Hos. 12:1)
Once ‘Ephraim’ in the U.S. turns to the new world order and is “among the nations,” he will become powerless. Scripture in the book of Hosea says at this point he will be like a “worthless thing” and “like a wild donkey wandering alone” (Hos. 8:8-9). It is then clear that ‘Ephraim’/’Israel’ will be without a king (which is likely the same scenario that will happen with Judah- i.e. the current country of Israel), but instead will be “under the oppression of the mighty king” (Hos. 8:10). This will likely be a one-world anti-Christ Chaldean leader.
(Note to the reader: Do you notice anything in our current times that might be considered to be a “sickness” or an incurable wound taking hold in the U.S.? Can you envision a scenario where we, in the U.S., could sometime soon be “without a king”?)
Destruction comes
Once ‘Ephraim’ and the house of Israel in the current day U.S. turn to the new world order, then God’s punishment and destruction will come upon them. God says:
When they go (to ‘Egypt’ and ‘Assyria’) I will throw my net over them, I will pull them down like birds of the air…I will catch them. (Hos. 7:12)
This likely has implications for U.S. leaders in particular. By running for cover to the new world order, do you think that they might be trying to get away from their own corrupt misdeeds? We know that many, as Chaldeans themselves, have rebelled against God. God says they “plot evil” against him in the last days. Scripture in the book of Hosea tells us “all their kings fall,” and that they will even “fall by the sword” (Hos. 7:7). This is described as follows:
The high places of wickedness will be destroyed- thorns and thistles will grow up and cover their altars- they will say ‘cover us’! and to the hills ‘fall on us’! (Hos. 10:8)
Within this scenario above, I encourage the reader to consider the manner in which U.S. leaders might try to escape all of their corrupt dealings and activities that will be uncovered. As indicated above, some kind of “peace” agreement to join other countries in world Babylon’s government at the time that the world is in an anti-Christ Chaldean-induced chaotic state would be a natural way to try to “mask” their corruption. But scripture tells us this will not work:
While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thess. 5:3).
They have dressed the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all. (Jer. 6:14)
Corrupt anti-Christ Chaldean leaders themselves will be the ones who say ‘peace’ when there is indeed no peace in the world. It appears unclear at this point but I ask: Is it possible that the agreement for the U.S. to join the new world order is (a part of) the agreement/covenant that we learn about in the book of Daniel (9:27) that initiates a seven-year period of what will be turmoil instead of peace? Perhaps this would be an agreement combined with some sort of peace arrangement between the country of Israel and its neighbors. Is it possible that the agreement could have something to do with house of Judah remnant warriors who have raised a “banner” to the world and are embattled with the anti-Christ Chaldeans? (Remember, corrupt country of Israel leaders will have turned against their own Judah remnant in ‘Babylon’). Recall that this is a peace agreement that will be confirmed by “many,” which suggests its scope could be broader than many think.
At this point when peace is “declared,” the land and people of ‘Ephraim’ and the house of Israel within the U.S. as a whole will be in grave trouble for deserting God in favor of the anti-Christ system. Scripture about coming destruction says that, “swords will flash in the cities” and also:
Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of reckoning. (Hos. 5:9)
When I please, I will punish them: nations will be gathered against them to put them in bonds for their double sin. (Hos. 10:10)
…Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men, the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be demolished… (Hos. 10:13-14)
In a future passage I will discuss end times ‘Babylon’ in more detail, which will again present this same story of judgment coming onto ‘Ephraim’ in the U.S.
God hides his face, but saves a Judah remnant
Right around the last days time period that ‘Ephraim’/the house of Israel deserts God, goes to the new world order, and destruction begins, then God will hide his face. (See my passage, ‘When God Hides his Face’). It is clear that our current day U.S. already fulfills all of the requirements for God to go away and hide his face.
Scripture in the book of Hosea says that when ‘Israel’s arrogance finally testifies against them, and when they (‘Israel’/’Ephraim’) “stumble in their sin,” they will seek the Lord, but will not be able to find him. At the time they realize the “great king” of ‘Assyria’ cannot help them and their land is crumbling God says that they will earnestly seek him “in their misery.”
At the time God hides his face the world will become a much darker and more dangerous place. It makes sense to consider this in light of what we are told in scripture about some people being saved, removed, taken out of the way, etc. For example, I discussed the ‘Restrainer’/Holy Spirit in a prior passage, who we know must be taken out of the way prior to the “man of lawlessness” being revealed. It would seem logical that the ‘Restrainer’s/’Comforter’s removal could coincide with God’s hiding his face. This also appears to be a likely time period for the escape of those who will be “counted worthy,” as Jesus described.
Is God hiding his face a signal for the Judah remnant?
I have addressed how end times ‘Jacob’ is saved out of the time of “Jacob’s trouble.” I mentioned above that the peace agreement could in some ways be related to the conflict between God’s last days people (incl. the ‘Jacob’ and Judah remnant) and the anti-Christ Chaldeans, which could mean that ‘Jacob’ and the Judah remnant are at least partially freed at this time. I have also previously indicated that a Cyrus-type figure could initiate this process (Isaiah, Chapter 45).
Also, recall in my passage about this particular Judah remnant that they will be considered holy and royal and will transition into the Millennial Kingdom as such. In the Hosea verse below it is clear that God will show favor to this Jesus Christ-worshiping Judah remnant (living in Ephraim/U.S.) in the last days in contrast with ‘Ephraim’ which has gone away from him. He says:
Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. (Hos. 11:12)
Furthermore, God tells us through Hosea how he will save this Judah remnant during this time. God declares that he will save them himself, which is consistent with him delivering end times ‘Jacob.’ This leaves open the manner in which they are saved, and this will certainly be a supernatural occurrence no matter what since God himself is involved. God’s involvement as described through the Prophet Hosea is as follows:
Yet I (God) will show love to Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the Lord their God, will save them. (Hos. 1:7)
Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof… (Hos. 2:9)
God contrasts this righteous Judah remnant with wayward, defiled ‘Israel’/’Ephraim’ one more time through Hosea when he says:
Also for you O Judah, a harvest is appointed, when I will restore my people from captivity. (Hos. 6:11)
In scripture, it appears that there may be an initial removal and escape for a select Judah remnant prior to the larger last days exodus of God’s people that I have discussed. We know that many of God’s people at the point when God hides his face will still need to be tested, refined and given an opportunity to seek Jesus Christ. Perhaps these will go through a similar-type persecution as did the anointed Judah remnant.
A larger remnant saved for regathering
I mentioned at the outset how Hosea ultimately calls back his wife to be betrothed to him and how God calls ‘Israel’ “his people” again, about whom he had said prior, were not his people. He says he will now love them again and will “heal their waywardness.”
God receives his people ‘Israel’ back after they realize that ‘Egypt’ and ‘Assyria’ cannot save them in the Day of the Lord. A remnant will finally humble themselves, recognize their wickedness and ask Jesus Christ’s forgiveness of their sins (Hos. 14:2). They will also renounce their idols and vow that they will never again call things they make with their own hands their gods. Scripture says at this time that God will “roar like a lion” and:
They (house of Israel) will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. (Hos. 11:11)
This represents the house of Israel remnant coming out of Babylon’s new world order anti-Christ system and returning to their homeland to be “settled in their homes.” I discussed God’s people’s regathering in more detail in a recent, prior passage. Meanwhile, through Hosea God says that his people ‘Israel’ will finally:
- Blossom like a lily (Hos. 14:5)
- Send down roots like a Cedar of Lebanon (Hos. 14:5)
- Have splendor like an olive tree (Hos. 14:6)
- Flourish like the grain (Hos. 14:7)
- Blossom like a vine (Hos. 14:7)
~
‘Israel’ will ultimately rejoin regathered Judah for the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom after a tumultuous period that demonstrated to them that anti-Christ Chaldean rule over the world only led to their persecution and scattering as a people as well as to destruction of societies all over the world. I explain their path through the Day of the Lord and subsequent regathering in my book, Biblical End Times, Volume 2.
To close out the story of Hosea and Gomer, we take our cue from their firstborn son Jezreel (whose name means ‘God scatters or sows’), who God originally asked Hosea to name in order to represent his upcoming punishment on the ancient house of Jehu for the massacre of God’s Judah-tribe people in the Prophet Elijah’s day. In the time of regathering of ‘Israel’s people we are told, “great will be the day of Jezreel.” This shows God will have taken vengeance on his people’s enemies, regathered them, and the apparent Judah-line son of an ‘Israel’ “prostitute”- i.e. a son produced by and raised in the ‘northern kingdom’- will be recognized as a symbol of justice, and possibly as a leader in God’s Kingdom to come.
Grace and Peace,
Lion’s Lair (LL)
Lion's Lair 
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