Hosea 13:6

When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me.

Study Bible

When they had pasture
The Hebrew word for "pasture" is "מִרְעֶה" (mir'eh), which refers to a place of feeding or grazing. In the context of ancient Israel, pasture symbolizes God's provision and care for His people. Historically, Israel's prosperity in the Promised Land is likened to sheep finding abundant pasture. This phrase reminds us of God's faithfulness in providing for His people, drawing a parallel to the spiritual nourishment He offers through His Word and presence.

they became satisfied
The Hebrew root "שָׂבַע" (sava) means to be filled or to have enough. Satisfaction here implies a state of contentment and abundance. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the human tendency to become complacent when needs are met. This satisfaction should lead to gratitude and worship, but often it results in spiritual lethargy. The historical context shows that Israel, in times of prosperity, often turned away from God, forgetting the source of their blessings.

when they were satisfied
This repetition emphasizes the cycle of satisfaction leading to forgetfulness. It serves as a warning against the dangers of self-reliance and pride. The satisfaction that should have led to thanksgiving instead became a precursor to spiritual decline. This pattern is evident throughout Israel's history, where periods of peace and prosperity often led to idolatry and rebellion against God.

their hearts became proud
The Hebrew word for "proud" is "גָּבַהּ" (gavah), meaning to be high or exalted. Pride is a central theme in the Bible, often leading to downfall. In this context, pride is the result of forgetting God's role in their prosperity. The heart, in Hebrew thought, represents the center of will and emotion. A proud heart is one that elevates itself above God, leading to a false sense of security and independence.

and as a result, they forgot Me
Forgetting God is a recurring issue in the Old Testament, where "שָׁכַח" (shakach) means to forget or ignore. This forgetfulness is not merely a lapse in memory but a deliberate neglect of God's commandments and presence. Historically, Israel's forgetfulness led to idolatry and moral decay. Spiritually, it serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain vigilant in their relationship with God, continually remembering His deeds and maintaining a posture of humility and dependence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the Israelites.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often referred to in Hosea as Ephraim, which had turned away from God and was facing impending judgment.

3. God
The central figure who is addressing Israel through Hosea, expressing His disappointment and the consequences of their actions.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Complacency
When we become satisfied with our material or spiritual state, we risk becoming complacent and forgetting our dependence on God.

Pride as a Spiritual Hazard
Satisfaction can lead to pride, which distances us from God. We must guard our hearts against the subtlety of pride.

Remembering God in Prosperity
It is crucial to cultivate gratitude and remembrance of God, especially in times of abundance, to maintain a humble and dependent relationship with Him.

The Cycle of Forgetfulness
Recognize the cycle of satisfaction leading to pride and forgetfulness, and actively work to break it through spiritual disciplines like prayer and scripture study.

The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
Regular engagement in spiritual disciplines can help keep our hearts aligned with God, preventing the drift into forgetfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Hosea 13:6 reflect the spiritual state of Israel, and what can we learn from their example?

2. In what ways can prosperity or satisfaction lead to spiritual forgetfulness in our own lives?

3. How can we actively remember God and maintain humility during times of abundance?

4. What spiritual disciplines can help us guard against the pride that comes from satisfaction?

5. How do the warnings in Hosea 13:6 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about wealth and spiritual vigilance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 8:10-14
This passage warns Israel about the dangers of forgetting God when they become prosperous, similar to the message in Hosea 13:6.

Proverbs 30:8-9
These verses express a desire for neither poverty nor riches, to avoid forgetting God or dishonoring Him, paralleling the theme of satisfaction leading to forgetfulness.

Revelation 3:17
The church in Laodicea is rebuked for being lukewarm and self-satisfied, echoing the pride and forgetfulness seen in Israel.