Reflecting on Biblical Ignorance, National Turmoil, and the Call to Seek God’s Truth
If you’ve been watching the news, scrolling through your social media feed, or just talking with friends lately, it’s hard to miss the sense of confusion and unrest swirling around our nation. People are divided, truth seems slippery, and answers feel out of reach. In moments like these, a powerful verse from the Old Testament echoes loudly: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). What did God mean by this? And why does it matter so much today? Let’s take a closer look, in plain language, at this ancient warning and the hope it still offers us now.
Understanding Hosea 4:6: What Was Happening Back Then?
Hosea was a prophet living in a time when God’s people, Israel, were facing a national crisis. Instead of following God, they had drifted far away—ignoring His ways, worshiping other gods, and letting their leaders guide them astray. The “knowledge” Hosea talks about isn’t just about facts or information. It’s about truly knowing God—His heart, His character, His truth. When Hosea says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” he’s pointing out that their troubles came from turning their backs on God’s truth. They weren’t just uninformed—they were willfully choosing not to listen or learn.
Active Rejection: Turning Away from God’s Truth
It’s important to see that the people of Israel didn’t just accidentally forget God. They actively rejected what He had taught them. Hosea 4:6 goes on to say, “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests.” This means the problem wasn’t just ignorance—it was a choice. People were pushing away God’s instructions, preferring their own way or listening to voices that told them what they wanted to hear. It was a willful turning away, not a simple misunderstanding.
The Cost of Spiritual Unfaithfulness: Consequences That Last
Ignoring God’s truth came with consequences. The nation suffered—relationships broke down, injustice flourished, and even the land was affected. Hosea warns that this rejection of knowledge wouldn’t just hurt the current generation, but their children as well: “Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Spiritual unfaithfulness didn’t stay private; it rippled out to families, communities, and the whole nation. The same pattern can be seen throughout history: when people drift from God’s truth, destruction and hurt often follow.
Shared Responsibility: Priests and People Together
One thing Hosea makes clear is that everyone shares responsibility—the spiritual leaders and the everyday people. The priests were supposed to teach God’s truth, but they failed. They led people astray, either by neglect or by teaching things that weren’t true. But the people weren’t off the hook. They chose to follow those false paths. In other words, this wasn’t just a leadership problem; it was a community problem. Leaders and followers alike turned away from knowing and honoring God.
Why Hosea’s Message Matters Today
Fast forward to today, and the warning of Hosea 4:6 feels just as relevant. Our world is flooded with information but starving for real wisdom. Many people—even those who call themselves Christians—are unfamiliar with the Bible or misunderstand who God really is. We see confusion about right and wrong, and the same kinds of hurt and division that plagued Israel. The root problem is still the same: when we turn from God’s truth, we lose our way.
The Danger of False Teachings: When Truth Is Twisted
Another danger Hosea points out is false teachings. When leaders (or popular voices) twist or ignore what God says, people get led astray. In our time, this can happen through pastors and leaders, politicians, social media influencers, best-selling books, or even well-meaning friends who offer advice that doesn’t align with God’s Word. False teachings often sound comforting or easy, but they move us further from real hope and healing.
Seeking True Knowledge: The Lifeline We Need
So, what’s the remedy? It’s simple, but not always easy: we need to pursue true knowledge—knowing God, His character, and His ways. That means reading the Bible, asking questions, learning together, and being open to God correcting us when we’re wrong. It means valuing truth over comfort and seeking God even when the world pulls us in other directions. True knowledge leads to restoration, healing, and blessing—not just for us, but for our families and communities.
A Call to Action—and Hope
Hosea’s words might sound heavy, but they come with hope. God didn’t give up on His people, and He doesn’t give up on us. The invitation is still open: return to God, seek His truth, and find life. In a world full of noise and turmoil, we can choose to listen to God and let His knowledge shape our lives. Let’s recommit ourselves to valuing what’s true, teaching it to the next generation, and trusting that God can bring restoration and blessing even in the hardest times.
Let’s not be destroyed for lack of knowledge. Instead, let’s seek God’s truth together and watch Him work in us and through us.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 