Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 32

 The Lesson of the Fig Tree

Matthew 24:32 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh:”

parable of the... First of five parables in Matthew 24-25: the fig tree, illustrating the nearness of His return (Mat. 24:32-33). These are the last five parables in Matthew.

A parable (τὴς παραβολήν)

More strictly, the parable which she has to teach. Rightly, therefore, Rev., her parable.

the fig tree... It is universally interpreted to mean the Jewish nation, but this could not possibly be the meaning. Just like a fig tree (Luke adds, and all the trees, Mat. 21:29) putting forth its leaves indicates that summer is near, so likewise the signs of Mat. 24:4-26 indicate the nearness of Christ’s coming. This is all that is meant, so to use a few fig leaves to represent certain events of Israel is just as unscriptural as to pick a few oak leaves to represent truths about Gentiles.

When the fig branch puts forth its leaves, only a short time remains until summer. Likewise, when the final labor pains begin, Christ’s return is near, even at the door (verse 33).

Branch (κλάδος)

From κλάω, to break. Hence a young slip or shoot, such as is broken off for grafting. Such were the branches which were cut down and strewed in the Lord's path by the multitudes (Mat. 21:8).

Appended to the main prophecy are some additional warnings as to time (Mat. 24:32-44) setting forth in the most impressive manner the certainty, the suddenness, and, to those who are not looking for it, the unexpectedness of the coming of the Day of the Lord. Here again, in the first portion the destruction of Jerusalem, and in the latter portion the Day of the Son of man, is prominent.

The Confirmation by Parables

In the previous portion of this sermon (Mat. 24:4-31) Jesus had spoken directly about His return to earth. Then He gave some practical applications and instructions in light of His return. One should keep in mind that the primary application of this section is directed toward the future generation that will experience the days of the Tribulation and will be looking forward to the immediate coming of the King in glory. A secondary application of this passage, as with much of Scripture, is to believers living today who comprise the body of Christ, the church. The church is not in view in these verses. But just as God’s people in a future time are told to be prepared, watchful, and faithful, so too believers today should also be faithful and alert.

The fig trees

(Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33) Jesus’ words, Now learns this lesson, show that He was beginning to apply what He had been teaching. When the twigs of fig trees begin to get tender and put forth leaves, that is a sure sign summer is not far away (cf. Mat. 21:18-20). Just as a fig tree was a harbinger of summer, so these signs (Mat. 24:4-28) Jesus had been speaking of clearly indicated that His coming would follow shortly.

Book of Hosea Chapter 7 Vs. 3

 INIQUITY UNCOVERED

They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. Hos. 7:3

They make the... The evil awakens no alarm, but rather sympathy and gladness, in the breasts of their kings and rulers, who are ready to follow suit in all deeds of violence.

with their lies... With false accusations brought in against the more innocent, or by false reports made of their words and actions, representing them as ridiculous or foolish, amusing them into infamy.

This was a corrupt society. The king was even pleased at the corruption. The king and the princes were just as involved as the people themselves.

The rulers were no different from their subjects. A godly ruler was to oppose all forms of wickedness within his kingdom (cf. Psm. 101:1-8), but these leaders delighted in it.

WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES

There follows now a very difficult passage. The text is corrupt, and we have no means of determining what precise events are intended. The drift of meaning, however, is evident. The disorder and licentiousness of the people are favored in high places; the throne itself is guilty.

With their evil they make a king glad, and princes with their falsehoods:

The rulers were no different from their subjects. A godly ruler was to oppose all forms of wickedness within his kingdom (cf. Psm. 101:1-8), but these leaders delighted in it.

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 31

 The Coming of the Son of Man

Matthew 24:31 “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

send his angels... Literal angels accompany Him to earth (2Thes. 1:7-10) to gather Israel (Deut. 30:4; Isa. 11:11-12) and separate the tares from the wheat (Mat. 13:38-50).

of a trumpet... Trumpets always sounded at gatherings of Israel (Exo. 19:13-19; Lev. 25:9; 1Sam. 13:3; 2Sam. 2:28). This trumpet is predicted in Isa. 18:3; 27:13; Zec. 9:14. This is not the same as the seven trumpets of Rev. 8:2, 8:6 or the trumpets in connection with the resurrection of the righteous (1Th_4:16; 1Cor. 15:51-58).

together his elect... Jewish elect: Jews, not the Church because:

1. Jesus is answering a Jewish question (Mat. 24:3; 25:31-46; Acts 1:6)

2. False Messiahs primarily concern Israel (Mat. 24:5, 24:23-26)

3. Antisemitism proves it (Mat. 24:9)

4. The travail of Israel (see, Mat. 24:8)

5. The abomination of desolation concerns Israel only (see, Mat. 24:15)

6. The Jewish temple (see, Mat. 24:15)

7. Flight of Israel (see, Mat. 24:16)

8. The sabbath is Jewish (see, Mat. 24:20)

9. The great tribulation (see, Mat. 24:21)

10. Jews are the only people to be gathered (see, Mat. 24:31)

11. The coming of Christ is to deliver Israel (Mat. 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Zec. 14:1-21)

12. Judgment of the nations is based on treatment of Israel (Mat. 25:31-46)

13. The eagles eating carcasses was predicted to be at the time of Israel’s deliverance (Mat. 24:28; Eze. 39:17-22; Luke 17:34-37; Rev. 19:17-21)

14. The church will be raptured before the above events.

the four winds... Four directions of the earth (Isa. 11:11-12; Rev. 7:1-3; 20:8).

from one end... All the elect from heaven and earth are gathered and assembled before Christ. This is the culmination of world history, ushering in the millennial reign of Christ (Rev. 20:4).

With a great sound of a trumpet (μετὰ σάλπυγγος φωνῆς μεγάλης)

Some read with a great trumpet. The blowing of trumpets was anciently the signal for the host of Israel on their march through the desert. It summoned to war, and proclaimed public festivals, and marked the beginnings of months; Num. 10:1-10; Psm. 81:3. Hence the symbolism of the New Testament. Jehovah's people shall be summoned before their king by sound of trumpet. Compare the proclamation of Christ as king at the trumpet of the seventh angel, Rev. 11:15.

The tribulation of those days is going on still, and therefore the events of these verses are still future. We look forward to the Day of the Lord of which that terrible day of judgment, to which their thoughts were first turned, was only a dim foreshadowing-a Day far more august in its nature, far more awful in its accompaniments, far more terrible in its aspect to those who are unprepared for it, yet full of glory and of joy to those who love His appearing.

Again, He will then send His angels forth to regather His elect from the four winds, which relates to the earth (cf. Mark 13:27), from one end of the heavens to the other. This involves the gathering of those who will have become believers during the Seventieth Week of Daniel and who will have been scattered into various parts of the world because of persecution (cf. Mat. 24:16). This gathering will probably also involve all Old Testament saints, whose resurrection will occur at this time, so that they may share in Messiah’s kingdom (Dan. 12:2-3, 12:13).

Book of Hosea Chapter 7 Vs. 2

 INIQUITY UNCOVERED

And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. Hos. 7:2

they considered not... But Israel continued to sin and did not remember that her wicked deeds were before His face (Eze. 8:12). The omniscient God is aware of everything that people do.

now their own... The heart of man is what he is. It is desperately wicked, or it is stayed upon God. In the case of those of Israel, they were desperately wicked. Their sins are the very things that cause this terrible judgment to come upon them.

And they never think in their hearts that all their evil is recorded by Me.

This evil doing witnessed against them, Hos. 7:2. Their passions did not need incitement, just as an oven retains its heat without the baker’s continued attention.

To make matters worse, they disregarded God’s moral character by failing to realize that He was taking careful notice of their sin (cf. Psm. 50:16-21). Therefore, like a wall their sins had completely surrounded (did engulf) them, making repentance improbable. (The Heb. word for their sins is trans. their deeds in Hos. 5:4.)

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 30

 The Coming of the Son of Man

Matthew 24:30 “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

And then shall... And then—immediately after the tribulation (Mat. 24:29-31; 25:31-46).

the sign of... The Son of man Himself is the sign. The events described here precisely parallel the description (in Dan. 7:13; Rev. 19:11-21).

all the tribes... All in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, including the armies of all nations surrounding the city (Zec. 14:1-5; Rev. 1:7). Many will not see Christ until He is here reigning, and the saints take over all parts of the earth. Then people will go up to Christ (Isa. 2:2-4; 52:7; 66:19-21; Zec. 8:23). I.e., over their own rebellion. Israel in particular, will mourn over their rejection of the Messiah (Zec. 12:10-12).

Mourn (κόψονται).

Stronger: beat their breasts in anguish

see the Son... See with the natural eyes. Therefore, it is not a spiritual coming (2Thes... 1:7-10; Rev. 19:11-21; Zec. 14:1-5).

clouds of heaven... He went away in clouds, and He will return with them (Acts 1:9-11; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 14:14, 14:16).

with power and... Coming in power sufficient to defeat the armies of earth and Satan, all his fallen angels and demons in one day (Zec. 14:1-21; Rev. 19:11-21; 20:1-3; Jude 1:14; 2Thes. 1:7-10; Isa. 24:21-23; Joel 2:1-32).

and great glory... Mat. 25:31; 2Thes. 1:7-10; 2:8.

Jesus went to heaven on a cloud, and the angels told the disciples that were looking on, that He will come back the same way He went. Here is the fulfillment of that prophecy. He truly will come back in the clouds. Then He will not be as of one of us, but in Power and Great Glory. This is when we will see Him in all of His heavenly attire.

We will know for sure who it is with His eyes like flaming fire, white flowing hair, feet like burning brass. Then He will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Of course, He has always been that, but then we recognize Him as that.

Exactly what the sign of the Son of Man will be is unknown. The sign of the setting aside of the nation of Israel was the departure of the glory from the temple (Eze. 10:3, 10:18; 11:23). Perhaps the sign of the Lord’s return will again involve the Shekinah glory. Some believe the sign may involve the heavenly city, New Jerusalem, which may descend at this time and remain as a satellite city suspended over the earthly city Jerusalem throughout the Millennium (Rev. 21:2-3). Or the sign may be the lightning, or perhaps the Lord Himself. Whatever the sign, it will be visible for all to see, for the Lord will return on the clouds… with power and great glory (cf. Dan. 7:13).

Book of Hosea Chapter 7 Vs. 1

 A PEOPLE IN DECAY: MORALLY

When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. Hos 7:1

When I would... God longed to heal Israel (also referred to here as Ephraim and Samaria, the capital city).

Samaria, As the capital, Samaria represents the northern kingdom.

for they commit... God's desire all along, was to heal Israel. We have talked a great deal about the will of man. Even though God wanted to heal them, they had to be willing to give up the worship of false gods, as we said in an earlier lesson. In the time of Jeroboam II, they made a calf and put it in their place of worship as symbolizing God.

The second subunit

The reference to the Lord’s desire to heal (cf. Hos. 6:1) His people come near the beginning of this subunit. God longed to restore Israel to a place of blessing, but His efforts were met with new outbreaks of sin and crimes. The people’s widespread deceit and robbery epitomized their lack of regard for the covenant (cf. Exo. 20:15).

INIQUITY UNCOVERED

The last clause of the previous chapter belongs to this. God desired to turn aside the captivity of His people and to heal Israel, but His pleading was unavailing because of their inveterate sin.

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 29

 The Coming of the Son of Man

Matthew 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:”

Immediately after the... Having told them what the sign would be and counseled His disciples to lose no time in making their escape as soon as they should see it, He further warns them, in a few impressive words, of the terrors of those days of tribulation.

tribulation of those... The three closing verses of this portion of the prophecy refer pre-eminently to the great Day of the coming of the Son of man (Mat. 24:29-31).

the sun be... Such phenomena are a common feature of the Day of the Lord prophecy (see Isa. 13:9-10; Eze. 32:7-8; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15; Amos 8:9). The ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies takes place during the time of the Beast’s reign (Rev. 6:12-13; 8:12).

Immediately following the distress of that period, the Lord will return. His return will be accompanied by unusual displays in the heavens (Mat. 24:29; cf. Isa. 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2:31; 3:15-16) and by the appearing of His sign in the sky (Mat. 24:30). The appearance of the sign will cause all the nations to mourn (cf. Rev. 1:7), probably because they will realize the time of their judgment has come.

Book of Hosea Chapter 6 Vs. 11

 Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people. Hos. 6:11

Also, O Judah... Lest Judah feel smug at her neighbor’s demise, the prophet reminds them that they have a day of reckoning awaiting them (Jer. 51:13; Joel 2:10-3-1).

he hath set... Judah, the southern kingdom, will fare no better than Ephraim, the northern kingdom; for it committed the same sins. God’s judgment will come to them some 136 years later and by a different agent, Babylon.

an harvest for... A reaping time of judgment.

when I returned... Judah had sinned like Israel, and they too, would reap what they had sown. There is a great harvest at the end of the earth when all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will be carried to heaven to live for God. Those who reject Jesus will be the tares which are gathered and burned.

The comparison of judgment to a harvest (cf. Jer. 51:33; Joel 3:13) emphasizes its certainty (appointed) and its thoroughness.

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 28

 The Abomination of Desolation

Matthew 24:28 “For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”

wheresoever the carcase... Where the dead bodies are slain at Armageddon the birds will be gathered together to eat them (Job. 39:30; Eze. 39:17-22; Luke 17:34-37; Rev. 19:17-21). The rapture will have taken place years before this. Christ is not a dead carcass nor are the saints eagles to be caught up to such a carcass. This is not in the air, but on earth (Eze. 39:17; Rev. 19:11-21).

Carcase (πτῶμα)

From πίπτω, to fall. Originally a fall, and thence a fallen body; a corpse. Compare Lat. cadaver, from cado, to fall. See Mark 6:29; Rev. 11:8. On the saying itself, compare Job 39:30.

will the eagles... The location of a carcass is visible from great distances because of the circling carrion birds overhead (Job. 39:27-30). Similarly, Christ’s return will be clearly evident to all near and far. The same point is made by the lightning in verse 27. The vulture and dead body imagery here also speaks of the judgment that will accompany His return (Rev. 19:21).

Eagles (ἀετιό)

Rev. puts vultures in margin. The griffon vulture is meant, which surpasses the eagle in size and power. Aristotle notes how this bird scents its prey from afar and congregates in the wake of an army. In the Russian war vast numbers were collected in the Crimea and remained until the end of the campaign in the neighborhood of the camp, although previously scarcely known in the country.

Wherever there is a carcass physical corruption, vultures will go there to eat it. Similarly, where there is spiritual corruption judgment will follow. The world will have become the domain of Satan’s man, the Antichrist, the lawless one (2Thes. 2:8), and many people will have been corrupted by false prophets (Mat. 24:24). But the Son of Man will come quickly in judgment (Mat. 24:27).

Book of Hosea Chapter 6 Vs. 10

 Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled. Hos. 6:10

I have seen... This phrase means Ephraim and Judah subsequently discriminated.

an horrible thing... The horrible thing refers to polluting idolatry. This peculiar word occurs again in Jeremiah. According to the punctuation of the Hebrew the reciter hesitates before pronouncing the horrible thing which grated through his teeth. Yea, crime have they done. In the house of Israel I have seen horrors: there Ephraim hath played the harlot: Israel is defiled-Judah as well.

there is the... In the house of Israel is the Whoredom of Jeroboam, who was of the tribe of Ephraim, and caused Israel to sin, to go a whoring after idols. Or the Whoredom of the tribe of Ephraim, which belonged to the house of Israel, and even of all the ten tribes. Both corporeal and spiritual Whoredom, or idolatry, are here meant.

Israel is defiled... With Whoredom of both kinds; it had spread itself all over the ten tribes. They were all infected with it, and polluted by it (see Hos. 5:3).

The horrible thing they had done was the worship of false gods. The Whoredom they had committed was spiritual adultery. As we will see in the next verse, these are all 12 tribes of Israel, which got caught up in idolatry, not just Ephraim. Ephraim is mentioned separately, because he received the right hand (spiritual), blessing from Jacob.

The nation’s sin is described in powerful figurative language. The widespread breach of covenant (Hos. 6:6-7) was a horrible thing. Jeremiah used a related term to describe rotten figs that are inedible (Jer. 29:17). Israel had become defiled by her prostitution, that is, her unfaithfulness to the Lord (cf. Hos. 5:3).

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 27

The Abomination of Desolation

 

Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

For as the... This is not designed to denote the quarter from which he would come, but the manner. He does not mean to affirm that the Son of man will come from the east, but that he will come in a rapid and unexpected manner, like the lightning.

Many would be looking for him in the desert, many in secret places; but he said it would be useless to be looking in that manner. It was useless to look to any particular part of the heavens to know where the lightning would next flash.

In a moment, it would blaze in an unexpected part of the heavens, and shine at once to the other part. So rapidly, so unexpectedly, in so unlooked for a section would be his coming (see Luke 10:18; Zec. 9:14).

coming of the... Greek: parousia.

Parousia  παρουσία

par-oo-see'-ah

From the present participle of; a being near, that is, advent (often, return; specifically of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physical aspect: - coming, presence.

There will be a magnificent Light that, in appearance, looks like lightning. When Jesus (Son of man), comes back, it will not be a secret. The Light will be so bright everyone will know.

Shineth (φαίνεται)

Rev., better, is seen. The coming of the Lord will be a plain, unmistakable fact, like the lightning which lightens both ends of the heaven at once, and is seen of all. It will not be connected with some particular place, but will manifest itself and be recognized over the whole world. Compare Rev. 1:7: Every eye shall see him.

The Coming Of The Son Of Man

The Lord will not be on the earth bodily at that time, but He will return to earth. And His coming will be like lightning flashing from the east… to the west; it will be a splendorous, visible event.

Book of Hosea Chapter 6 Vs. 9

 Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. Hos. 6:9

And as troops... As a gang of highwaymen lie in wait in a ditch, or under a hedge, or in a cave of a rock or mountain, for a man they know will come by that way, who is full of money, in order to rob him. Or, as fishermen stand upon the banks of a river, and cast in their hooks to draw out the fish. Assassins in troops; a gang of priests murder on the way to Shechem.

so the company... Not only encourage murderers, and commit murders within the city, but go out in a body together upon the highway, and there commit murders and robberies, and divide the spoil among them. All which they did unanimously, and were well agreed, being brethren in iniquity, as well as in office.

Or, in the way of Shechem; as good people passed by Gilead to Shechem, and so to Jerusalem, to worship there at the solemn feasts, they lay in wait for them, and murdered them. Because they did not give into the idolatrous worship of the calves at Dan and Bethel: or, in the manner of Shechem. That is, they murdered men in a deceitful treacherous manner, as the Shechemites were murdered by Simeon and Levi.

for they commit... Literally, For they have done deliberate sin. The word literally means a thing thought of, especially an evil, and so, deliberate, contrived, bethought-of, wickedness. They did deliberate wickedness, but gave themselves to do it, and did nothing else.

Then it seems, these priests appear to be godly men, when in fact they are very ungodly men. Jesus spoke the greatest indictment against priests, such as these, that was ever spoken against a priest (read the 23rd chapter of Matthew).

The background of this verse is equally obscure. Perhaps groups of priests were actually murdering travelers to Shechem. A more likely explanation is that the language is hyperbolic, perhaps pointing to the priests’ false teaching and involvement in social exploitation. The references to (Ramoth) Gilead and Shechem are well chosen. Joshua had designated that both of these towns be cities of refuge, where manslayers could find asylum (Josh. 20:1-2, 20:7-8; see Num. 35:1-34). In this way the land would be spared outbreaks of bloodshed, and justice would be promoted. Ironically in Hosea’s day these cities had become associated with bloodshed and injustice.

The priests’ crimes were shameful. Elsewhere this word (zimmâh) is used of the vilest sexual sins, including incest (Lev. 18:17), cult prostitution (Lev. 19:29), rape (Jdg. 20:5-6), and adultery (Job. 31:9-11). This sexual connotation is probably applicable here because the priests’ breach of covenant (Hos. 6:6-7) is likened to prostitution (Hos. 6:10).

The background of this verse is equally obscure. Perhaps groups of priests were actually murdering travelers to Shechem. A more likely explanation is that the language is hyperbolic, perhaps pointing to the priests’ false teaching and involvement in social exploitation. The references to (Ramoth) Gilead and Shechem are well chosen. Joshua had designated that both of these towns be cities of refuge, where manslayers could find asylum (Josh. 20:1-2, 20:7-8; see Num. 35:1-34). In this way the land would be spared outbreaks of bloodshed, and justice would be promoted. Ironically in Hosea’s day these cities had become associated with bloodshed and injustice.

The priests’ crimes were shameful. Elsewhere this word (zimmâh) is used of the vilest sexual sins, including incest (Lev. 18:17), cult prostitution (Lev. 19:29), rape (Jdg. 20:5-6), and adultery (Job 31:9-11). This sexual connotation is probably applicable here because the priests’ breach of covenant (Hos. 6:6-7) is likened to prostitution (Hos. 6:10).

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 26

 The Abomination of Desolation

Matthew 24:26 “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not.”

he is in... Anyone claiming to be Christ. Then—during the great tribulation days of (Mat. 24:23).

In the desert - Secret chambers

Rev., wilderness - inner chambers. Both retired places, indicating that the false Messiahs will avoid public scrutiny.

the secret chambers... Dan. 11:45; 2Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13:1-18.

Believe it not... No one should consider the claims of self-styled messiahs because all of them are false. When Christ returns, no one will miss it (verses 27-28).

The Lord warned the disciples ahead of time not to be fooled for He would not be on earth working in that way.

Book of Hosea Chapter 6 Vs. 8

 Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. Hos. 6:8

is a city... If we regard Gilead as it elsewhere is, as the country beyond Jordan, where the two tribes and a half dwelt, this will mean that the whole land was banded in one, as one city of evil-doers. It had a unity, but one of evil. As the whole world has been pictured as divided between the city of God and the city of the devil, consisting respectively of the children of God and the children of the devil; so the whole of Gilead may be represented as one city, whose inhabitants had one occupation in common, to work evil.

and is polluted... Murders committed there have polluted it, or murderers protected there against the law of God, who provided these cities a relief for such. as unawares, without malice, by chance slew his neighbor, not for willful murderers. Yet some for money or interest got in and were secured there; and probably many were kept out or delivered up to the avenger of blood contrary to the law. Thus, Gilead by name and all the rest of the cities of refuge intended too, were polluted with blood.

That the discourse comes back to the ritual is very intelligible. For what could make repentance stem so easy as the belief that forgiveness can be won by simply offering sacrifices? Then the prophet leaps upon what each new year of that anarchy revealed afresh-the profound sinfulness of the people.

But they in human fashion have transgressed the covenant! There-he will now point out the very spots-have they betrayed Me! Gilead is a city of evil-doers: stamped with the bloody footprints.

Gilead is spoken of, in the New Testament, as beyond Jordan. This really is speaking of the Israelite's in their darker times, when there was much killing taking place. It could also be speaking of their connection with the crucifixion of Jesus.

Widespread physical violence was just one example of the people’s unfaithfulness (Hos. 6:8-9; cf. Exo. 20:13). Since Gilead was a district, not a city, the reference in Hos. 6:8 is probably to the city Ramoth Gilead, east of the Jordan. The town had become a center for wicked men (lit., workers of iniquity). In Psm. 5:5 this same expression is translated who do wrong. It refers to the worst sort of men, who actively oppose righteousness and are the objects of God’s hatred. In this case they were guilty of murder (Hos. 6:8). The city streets are pictured as being tracked with blood from the murderers’ sandals (cf. 1Ki. 2:5). The figurative language emphasizes both the extent and certainty of their guilt. Unfortunately the precise historical background for the crime cannot be determined. Perhaps oppression of the poor is in view. Elsewhere workers of iniquity are said to be guilty of oppressing the poor which is only occasionally associated with murder (cf. Psm. 94:4-6; Isa. 1:21-23).

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 25

 

The Abomination of Desolation

Matthew 24:25 “Behold, I have told you before.”

Behold, I have... Meaning not before in this discourse, though he had (in Mat. 24:5), signified also, that false christs, and false prophets should arise, but before these things came to pass; so that they had sufficient notice and warning of them, and would be inexcusable if they were not upon their guard against them.

Which when those things came to pass; it would furnish a considerable argument in proof of him as the true Messiah, against all these false ones showing him to be omniscient. And so would serve to establish their faith in him, and be a means of securing them from such deceivers.

The Lord warned the disciples ahead of time not to be fooled for He would not be on earth working in that way.

Book of Hosea Chapter 6 Vs. 7

 Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. Hos. 6:7

they like men... The prophets and priests of Hos. 5:1-15, 9:1-17. The people had transgressed the covenant: A reference to the Mosaic Covenant (compare 8:1; Exo. 19:5-6), they made with God at Mount Sinai (Exo. 19 and 20). According to this covenant, God would punish them for their disobedience (Deut. Chapter 28), which was a personal affront to Him they dealt treacherously with Me.

These Israelite's thought they were better than the rest of the people of the world. Every person who ever lived, whether Jew or Gentile, has sinned.

Rom. 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

1Jhn. 1:10 "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Rather than pleasing God, the people had broken the covenant and been unfaithful (bāg̱aḏ; cf. see Hos. 5:7) to God. The Hebrew word for like Adam has been translated variously. At Adam (RSV) requires a slight change in the Hebrew and suggests a geographical place near the Jordan River. The presence of the word there in the next line, as well as references to other places in Hos. 6:8-9, might support this reading. Like men (KJV) takes the Hebrew 'āḏām in its widely attested generic sense, rather than as a proper name. In this case a comparison is made with fallen mankind, whose propensity to be unfaithful is well established (cf. Isa. 40:6-8, man’s ḥeseḏ [ glory, Isa. 40:6] is as transitory as grass and flowers that wither in the sun). On the other hand, the NIV and the NASB suggest a comparison with the first man, Adam, who blatantly violated God’s requirement by eating from the forbidden tree.