Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. – Hosea 7:11

Today’s Scripture Reading (December 10, 2016): Hosea 7

A dove has long been associated with the peace process. If we ask someone to “be a dove” essentially we want them to be a person of peace or a part of a peace process – a peacemaker. A dove carrying an olive branch is the universal symbol of peace.  In Judeo-Christian thought, the dove has also come to represent the presence of the Spirit of God on his people. In this respect, the symbol of the Holy Spirit is the dive-bombing dove. Because of a dove’s white color, the bird also represents the purity of thought and action.  But that has not always been the way that we have seen doves (who are a member of the same family of birds as the common pigeon.) In ancient times, a dove was simply a foolish animal. And the evidence for a dove’s stupidity was that the easiest way to catch a dove was to startle it while it was still in its nest. Once startled, the dove would take flight making it vulnerable to capture from the fowler’s net. If it had just stayed in the nest, the dove would have been relatively safe. But by taking flight, it becomes vulnerable to capture.

Hosea makes the comparison between the senseless action of the dove and the activity of Israel. Hosea saw Israel as a nation that was without understanding. They possessed the advantage of having God as their refuge. And they were safe as long as they were willing to rely on him. God was Israel’s nest. But as soon as there was trouble on the world stage, Israel went running to the human powers that held sway over the area. Sometimes they would call out to Egypt for help. Sometimes it was Assyria that was asked to assist. Who it seemed never to be, that was on the other end of the call from Israel, was God – the very one who had promised to keep them safe.

So Israel was vulnerable. Not because God was unfaithful, but rather because they insisted on leaving the nest where they were safe, and flit around the area seeking a place of safety. Hosea could not think of anything that sounded more idiotic. And that behavior was exactly the behavior of a silly dove.  

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Hosea 8