Israel has looked to Baal for fertility in agriculture and population, and so the LORD speaks the awful judgment that both of these joyful gifts will be taken away from Israel. Their food will only be eaten in mourning, and they will not be able to go to the LORD’s appointed feasts because they will be in exile. Despite Israel’s mockery of Hosea’s faithful preaching, the LORD will do according to the Word that His prophet has spoken. Because Israel has rejected the steadfast love of the LORD from the days of the Exodus, now the LORD promises that His vineyard will be bare, because His people have refused to listen to His Word. Rev. Dr. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 9:1-17. To learn more about Messiah Lutheran, visit messiahseattle.org.“Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]