Final answer:
The passage in Hosea 4:7 suggests that as the people of Israel increased, they also increased in sin, leading to greater shame and divine punishment. Historical accounts and scripture passages describe a series of calamities, including natural disasters and plagues, as God's response to disobedience and idolatry. This concept is essential in understanding the history and religious beliefs of the ancient Hebrews.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage in Hosea 4:7 explains that as the people of Israel increased, they sinned more, and therefore their glory was turned into shame. This theme of punishment for sin and moving away from divine favor is prevalent throughout the Hebrew scriptures. Punishment in the form of natural disasters, wars, and plagues is a common way God is depicted as reacting to the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry. For example, numbers like NU 16:27-33 and NU 21:6 describe God issuing severe punishments, including the earth swallowing rebellious men and their households and fiery serpents sent to kill many Israelites.
The books of Ezekiel and Amos similarly attribute disaster and suffering to God's wrath against the sins of the people. In Ezekiel 20:25 and Amos 3:6, it is suggested that God allowed or caused hardships to come upon them as a form of judgment. This reflects the evolving understanding of the Hebrew God, Yahweh, especially during periods of great turmoil, such as the Babylonian Captivity, as described in the historical accounts. The Hebrews' conception of God was that He was omnipotent and present in all places, not bound to a single land or temple.
These historical and scriptural narratives show the deep connection between the people's actions and the divine response, as understood in the context of the ancient Hebrew religion. This belief underscored the need for adherence to God's laws and commands, the violation of which led to catastrophic consequences. It also shaped the Prophetic Movement and their call for social justice and a return to faithfulness.