Hosea 8:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This undoubtedly alludes to the altars established in the ancient tabernacle or the temple in Jerusalem, of which there were two. One was designated for the offering of grain in the first tabernacle; the other, a golden altar for incense, located in the inner tabernacle. The transgressions committed by the kings of Ephraim were numerous. First, they multiplied altars dedicated to sin; second, they cherished altars that should have provoked grief and remorse, as they were offensive to God; and most crucially, as if entrapped by madness, they alienated the altars that should have been revered and loved.

Amidst these discussions, it is stated, 'I will write unto him a multitude and lawful of them.' What does this signify? By multitude, He references the many altars they constructed that led them into sin, and 'their lawfulness' points back to the sacrifices ordained by the law, reflecting the times and manners of offering in which they engaged in abominable practices (for they 'sowed wheat and wine' while attempting various other things). These offenses will be recorded among their sins. Therefore, the essence of salvation lies in cherishing the divine altars and safeguarding those appointed by God, rather than pursuing altars that lead into sin. This predicament also arises among individuals who do not genuinely embody Christianity, yet after receiving baptism, continue to adhere to pagan customs. They should echo the words of Paul, 'You cannot partake of the Lord’s meal, nor of the devil’s meal’ (1 Cor. 10:21). However, those who align themselves with heretical factions and partake of their altars find that the altars meant for affection have become estranged: for they have multiplied altars of sin, offering sacrifices outside the sanctity of the divine court, which is the church.

As proclaimed in the Gospel, “Amen, amen I say to you, you seek Me, not because you have seen a sign, but because you have eaten the loaves, and you will be filled” (John 6:26). Their fervor for sacrifices stems from a craving to satisfy their hunger rather than a desire to honor God; therefore, the Lord will not accept offerings made not in His name, but in pursuit of their own desires. In the Church, as taught by the Apostle (Ephesians 4), there exists one altar, one faith, and one baptism. Yet, heretics, abandoning this unity, erect multiple altars amongst themselves, not to glorify God but to amplify their transgressions. Thus, they are unworthy of receiving God's laws, having disregarded those previously granted to them. Any assertions they make regarding the Scriptures lack comparison to the divine word and instead align with the teachings of the Gentiles. They offer numerous sacrifices and consume their flesh, yet they neglect the singular sacrifice of Christ, failing to partake in the body of Him who nourishes the faithful. No matter their actions, whether they perform almsgiving, vow chastity, or feign humility, deceiving the unsuspecting with falsehoods, none of these types of sacrifice will find acceptance with the Lord.