In Old Testament times, the fields were plowed using cows or oxen attached to a plow. A yoke was put over the head and onto the cow’s neck. Many times this yoke was a double yoke. It would fit over the neck of two cows. The farmer had lines attached to the yoke and could turn the animals in whatever direction he desired for them to go.
If a cow (heifer) was stubborn, it would refuse to go forward. It would at times attempt to go backwards. If the animal was very stubborn and tried very hard, it could actually back its head out of the yoke. The farmer had no control over such an animal. The animal would have to be disciplined to teach it not to act in such a way. This was known as a backsliding heifer.
In Hosea 4:16, God says Israel is like a backsliding heifer. Israel had refused to allow God to lead them. They had been very stubborn. God had even disciplined them but they would not learn. God vowed to bring terrible destruction on them for their disobedience.
Do not be a backsliding heifer. Learn to stay in the yoke of God. Allow him to guide you in what is right. Study his Word. Apply it to your life. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
