◄ Hosea 5 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Judgment on Israel and Judah 1“Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house! For this judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. 2The rebels are deep in slaughter; but I will chastise them all. 3I know all about Ephraim,a and Israel is not hidden from Me. For now, O Ephraim, you have turned to prostitution; Israel is defiled. 4Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD. 5Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; even Judah stumbles with them. 6They go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they do not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. 7They have been unfaithful to the LORD; for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the New Moonb will devour them along with their land. 8Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven:c Lead on, O Benjamin! 9Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel I proclaim what is certain. 10The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones;d I will pour out My fury upon them like water. 11Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, for he is determined to follow worthless idols.e 12So I am like a moth to Ephraim, and like decay to the house of Judah. 13When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king.f But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. 14For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. 15Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.” Footnotes: 3 a That is, the northern kingdom of Israel; also in verses 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 7 b Or their New Moon feast or the coming month 8 c Beth-aven means house of wickedness. This is a derogatory term for Bethel, which means house of God; see 1 Kings 12:28–29. 10 d See Proverbs 22:28 and Proverbs 23:10. 11 e Or to follow human precepts 13 f Or to King Jareb Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Hosea 5 Summary Judgment on Israel and Judah Verses 1–3 – Leaders Caught in the Net Hosea summons priests, people, and the royal house to court. God’s verdict is that they have set traps at Mizpah and Tabor—once safe, now snares. He knows every move of Ephraim and Israel: “For now, O Ephraim, you have acted like a prostitute; Israel has defiled itself” (v. 3). Verses 4–5 – A Heart That Won’t Turn Their deeds chain them to sin, “for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD” (v. 4). Pride blinds them, so Israel, Ephraim, and even Judah stumble together. Verses 6–7 – Worship Without Relationship Flocks and herds are dragged to altars in frantic ritual, but “He has withdrawn Himself from them” (v. 6). Unfaithfulness has produced illegitimate offspring; the coming New Moon festival will consume both people and land. Verses 8–9 – Alarm in Benjamin Trumpets blast from Gibeah to Ramah to Beth-aven. Judgment races southward. God says, “Ephraim will become a desolation on the day of punishment” (v. 9); the warning is sure. Verses 10–12 – Flood and Decay Judah’s princes move boundary stones—an act of greed and defiance—so God will “pour out … fury … like water” (v. 10). He will be “like a moth” and “like decay,” quietly eating away strength from within (v. 12). Verse 13 – Misplaced Alliances Feeling the wound, Ephraim runs to Assyria and “King Jareb,” but “he cannot heal you or cure your wound.” Political deals replace prayer, yet no human power can mend what sin has broken. Verses 14–15 – Lion and Return God now appears as a roaring lion: “I, even I, will tear them to pieces … and no one can rescue them” (v. 14). Yet judgment is not the last word. He will retreat “until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me” (v. 15). Hosea 5 paints a stark picture of God's judgment upon Israel and Judah due to their continuous rebellion and spiritual apostasy. Using the Prophet Hosea, God communicates His impending divine judgment and calls for genuine repentance. This chapter underscores the serious consequences of religious and moral decline, challenging readers to consider their own spiritual standing and response to God's law. Historical Setting Hosea prophesied in the volatile eighth century BC. Jeroboam II’s long reign had ended, and a parade of Northern kings fell by assassination. Assyria, under Tiglath-pileser III, loomed large. Northern shrines at Dan, Bethel, Mizpah, and Tabor blended calf-worship with the LORD’s name. Judah, meanwhile, wavered between reform and compromise. Trumpet sites—Gibeah, Ramah, Beth-aven—formed a north-to-south alarm line along Benjamin’s ridge road, showing how invasion would sweep into Judah next. Literary Structure and Flow 1. Summons to court (v. 1) 2. Charges and evidence (vv. 1–7) 3. Battle alarm and verdict (vv. 8–9) 4. Metaphors of judgment—flood, moth, rot, lion (vv. 10–14) 5. Conditional hope (v. 15) Each metaphor intensifies: from silent decay (moth) to violent mauling (lion). The chapter moves from secret corruption to open catastrophe, then back to the possibility of repentance. Key Themes • God holds leaders especially accountable (James 3:1 echoes this). • Sin is more than an act; it is a controlling “spirit” (v. 4; John 8:34). • Ritual without relationship is useless (Isaiah 1:11-15). • Pride blinds and topples nations (Proverbs 16:18). • God’s discipline is designed to restore, not destroy (Hebrews 12:6). Archaeological Insights • Boundary stones from the Iron Age, inscribed curses against movers, have been found in Jordan and Israel, matching v. 10. • Assyrian annals list tribute from “bit-Humri” (house of Omri), confirming the Northern Kingdom’s costly alliances (v. 13). • Tell en-Nasbeh, a possible Mizpah, shows layers of eighth-century cultic activity and destruction that align with Hosea’s warnings. Connections Across Scripture • Deuteronomy 27:17 forbids shifting boundary stones—echoed in v. 10. • 2 Kings 15–17 records Israel’s final rush to Assyria and eventual fall. • Jeremiah 2:13 labels foreign alliances “broken cisterns,” paralleling v. 13. • Luke 15:14-17 mirrors the pattern of affliction leading to seeking God (v. 15). Practical Applications for Today • Leaders in church, family, and society set the moral tone; hidden compromise becomes a national snare. • Pride can keep individuals and communities from recognizing their own spiritual sickness. • Religious activity does not guarantee God’s presence; sincerity and obedience matter more than volume or expense. • Trusting worldly systems over God for rescue still leaves wounds unhealed. • God’s “lion” moments—crises, losses, confrontations—often precede genuine repentance and renewed closeness with Him. Summary Snapshot Hosea 5 is a wake-up call: leaders trap their own people, pride blinds, worship becomes empty, and foreign help fails. God dismantles false security, not to annihilate but to lead His people back. The path home begins the moment we drop our defenses, admit our guilt, and seek His face. Connections to Additional Scriptures Leadership Accountability James 3:1 - Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Idolatry Exodus 20:3 - You shall have no other gods before Me. Repentance 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. God’s Presence Psalm 27:8 - My heart says, 'Seek His face.' Your face, LORD, I will seek. Teaching Points God’s Indictment Against Leaders Hosea 5:1-2 highlights God’s judgment against the priests, the house of Israel, and the royal house. They are held accountable for leading the people astray. Hear this, O priests! Pay attention, O house of Israel! Listen, O royal house! This judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. Spiritual Adultery The chapter emphasizes Israel’s spiritual adultery, as they have turned to other gods and forsaken the Lord. Hosea 5:4 states, Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is in their hearts, and they do not know the LORD. The Consequences of Sin God warns of impending judgment due to their unrepentant hearts. Hosea 5:9 declares, Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of reckoning. Among the tribes of Israel, I proclaim what is certain. God’s Withdrawal In Hosea 5:6, God expresses that He will withdraw from them due to their unfaithfulness: They will go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. Call to Repentance Despite the harsh warnings, there is an underlying call to repentance and return to God, as seen throughout the book of Hosea. Practical Applications Leadership Accountability Reflect on the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their communities in truth and righteousness. Are we praying for and supporting our leaders to remain faithful to God’s Word? Guard Against Idolatry Examine our own lives for modern-day idols that may lead us away from God. Are there areas where we have placed our trust in things other than God? Repentance and Return Embrace the call to repentance. Are there sins we need to confess and turn away from to restore our relationship with God? Seek God’s Presence Prioritize seeking God’s presence in our daily lives. Are we actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Him through prayer and Scripture? People 1. Priests The priests are addressed directly in Hosea 5:1. They are part of the religious leadership in Israel, responsible for guiding the people in worship and adherence to the law. The Hebrew term used here is "כֹּהֲנִים" (kohanim), which refers to those who perform duties in the temple. 2. House of Israel Also mentioned in Hosea 5:1, the "house of Israel" refers to the collective people of the northern kingdom of Israel. They are often addressed as a group in prophetic literature, representing the nation as a whole. 3. House of the King This term appears in Hosea 5:1 and refers to the royal family or the ruling class in Israel. The Hebrew word "מֶלֶךְ" (melech) is used for "king," indicating the leadership responsible for the governance of the nation. 4. Ephraim Ephraim is mentioned multiple times throughout Hosea 5 (e.g., verses 3, 5, 9, 11-14). Ephraim is one of the tribes of Israel and often represents the northern kingdom as a whole due to its prominence and size. The name "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephraim) is used symbolically for the entire northern kingdom. 5. Judah Judah is mentioned in Hosea 5:5 and 10. This refers to the southern kingdom of Judah, distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel. The Hebrew term "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah) is used, representing the tribe and the kingdom that remained after the division of Israel. Places 1. Mizpah Mizpah is mentioned in Hosea 5:1. In Hebrew, "Mizpah" (מִצְפָּה) means "watchtower" or "lookout." It was a place of gathering and judgment in ancient Israel. 2. Tabor Tabor is also mentioned in Hosea 5:1. Mount Tabor is a significant mountain in the Jezreel Valley, often associated with military and religious events in Israel's history. 3. Ephraim Ephraim is referenced multiple times in Hosea 5 (verses 3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14). Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel and often represents the northern kingdom of Israel as a whole. The name "Ephraim" (אֶפְרַיִם) in Hebrew means "fruitful." 4. Israel Israel is mentioned throughout Hosea 5 (verses 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15). In this context, it refers to the northern kingdom, distinct from Judah. The name "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל) means "God contends" or "wrestles with God." 5. Judah Judah is mentioned in Hosea 5:5, 10, 12, 13, 14. Judah was the southern kingdom, named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Judah" (יְהוּדָה) means "praised." 6. Gibeah Gibeah is mentioned in Hosea 5:8. It was a city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its historical and biblical significance. The name "Gibeah" (גִּבְעָה) means "hill." 7. Ramah Ramah is also mentioned in Hosea 5:8. It was a city in the territory of Benjamin, often associated with significant biblical events. The name "Ramah" (רָמָה) means "height" or "high place." 8. Beth-aven Beth-aven is mentioned in Hosea 5:8. It is a derogatory name for Bethel, meaning "house of wickedness" instead of "house of God" (Bethel). The name "Beth-aven" (בֵּית אָוֶן) reflects the idolatry practiced there. Events 1. Call to Attention The chapter begins with a call to the priests, the house of Israel, and the royal house to listen and pay attention, as judgment is coming upon them. The Hebrew word for "hear" (שִׁמְעוּ, shimu) emphasizes the importance of listening to God's message. 2. Judgment Against Israel God declares judgment against Israel for their spiritual adultery and idolatry. The nation is described as a "snare" and a "net" spread out, indicating their entrapment in sin (Hosea 5:1). 3. Rebuke of Leaders The leaders are specifically rebuked for leading the people astray. The Hebrew term for "rebuke" (תּוֹכֵחָה, tokhecha) suggests a formal correction or reprimand. 4. Ephraim's Guilt Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is singled out for their harlotry and defilement. The text highlights their unfaithfulness to God (Hosea 5:3). 5. Israel's Arrogance The arrogance of Israel testifies against them, and they do not return to the Lord. The Hebrew root for "arrogance" (גַּאֲוָה, ga'avah) conveys a sense of pride and self-exaltation (Hosea 5:5). 6. God Withdraws God declares that He will withdraw from them until they acknowledge their guilt and seek His face. The Hebrew word for "withdraw" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies a deliberate distancing (Hosea 5:6). 7. Judgment Like a Moth and Rot God describes His judgment as being like a moth to Ephraim and like rot to the house of Judah, symbolizing gradual destruction and decay (Hosea 5:12). 8. Seeking Help from Assyria Israel turns to Assyria for help instead of turning to God, but this alliance will not save them. The futility of relying on foreign powers is highlighted (Hosea 5:13). 9. God as a Lion God compares Himself to a lion that will tear them to pieces and then return to His place, indicating the severity and inevitability of His judgment (Hosea 5:14). 10. Call to Repentance The chapter ends with a call for Israel to acknowledge their offense and seek God earnestly, promising that He will respond to their repentance (Hosea 5:15). Lessons from Hosea 5 1. The Consequences of Turning Away Hosea 5 reminds us of the serious consequences of turning away from God. The chapter opens with a warning to the leaders and people of Israel, highlighting their spiritual adultery. "Hear this, O priests; pay attention, O house of Israel. Listen, O house of the king! For judgment is coming upon you" (Hosea 5:1). This serves as a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and straying from God's path leads to judgment. It's a call to remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to God. 2. The Importance of True Repentance Repentance is more than just words; it requires a genuine change of heart. Hosea 5:4 states, "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD." This verse underscores the importance of sincere repentance. It's not enough to simply acknowledge our sins; we must turn away from them and seek a deeper relationship with God. 3. The Dangers of Pride Pride can be a significant barrier to spiritual growth. Hosea 5:5 warns, "Israel's arrogance testifies against them; Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; even Judah stumbles with them." Pride blinds us to our faults and keeps us from seeking God's guidance. By humbling ourselves, we open the door to God's wisdom and grace. 4. The Call to Seek God In times of trouble, our first response should be to seek God. Hosea 5:6 illustrates this, "They go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them." This verse highlights the futility of seeking God with insincere motives. We must approach Him with a genuine heart, ready to listen and obey. 5. The Reality of God's Judgment God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who persist in sin. Hosea 5:9 declares, "Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of rebuke; among the tribes of Israel I proclaim what is certain." This serves as a sobering reminder that God's patience has limits. It's a call to live righteously and align our lives with His will. 6. The Role of Leaders Leaders bear a significant responsibility in guiding others toward righteousness. Hosea 5:1 addresses the priests and leaders directly, emphasizing their role in leading the people astray. This is a reminder that those in positions of influence must lead by example, upholding God's truth and guiding others in faith. 7. The Futility of False Security Relying on anything other than God for security is futile. Hosea 5:13 warns, "When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king for help. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound." This verse highlights the danger of placing our trust in worldly powers instead of God, who is our true refuge and strength. 8. The Necessity of Spiritual Awareness Spiritual awareness is crucial in recognizing our need for God. Hosea 5:4 points out that the people "do not know the LORD." This lack of awareness leads to spiritual decay. By staying attuned to God's presence and guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and grow in our faith. 9. The Promise of Restoration Despite the warnings, Hosea 5 also hints at the promise of restoration for those who return to God. While the chapter focuses on judgment, it sets the stage for the hope of redemption found in later chapters. This reminds us that God's ultimate desire is to restore and renew us when we turn back to Him. 10. The Urgency of Returning to God Finally, Hosea 5 emphasizes the urgency of returning to God. The chapter serves as a wake-up call, urging us not to delay in seeking God's forgiveness and grace. "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off with no one to rescue them" (Hosea 5:14). This urgency is a reminder that the time to act is now, to embrace God's love and live according to His purpose. Topics 1. Judgment Against Israel and the Priests Hosea 5 begins with a call to attention for the priests, the house of Israel, and the royal house, as judgment is pronounced against them. The Hebrew word for "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) indicates a legal decision or decree. The text states: "Hear this, O priests! Pay attention, O house of Israel! Listen, O royal house! For judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah and a net spread out on Tabor." (Hosea 5:1). 2. Rebuke for Idolatry and Unfaithfulness The chapter continues with a rebuke for Israel's idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. The Hebrew term for "spirit of prostitution" (רוּחַ זְנוּנִים, ruach zenunim) is used to describe their unfaithful spirit. "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is in their hearts, and they do not know the LORD." (Hosea 5:4). 3. The Pride of Israel Israel's pride is highlighted as a significant issue leading to their downfall. The Hebrew word for "pride" (גָּאוֹן, gaon) conveys arrogance or exaltation. "Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; even Judah stumbles with them." (Hosea 5:5). 4. God's Withdrawal and the Consequences God declares His withdrawal from Israel due to their persistent sin, leading to dire consequences. The Hebrew root עָזַב (azav) means to forsake or leave. "I will be like a moth to Ephraim, like decay to the house of Judah." (Hosea 5:12). 5. Call to Repentance and Acknowledgment of Guilt The chapter ends with a call for Israel to acknowledge their guilt and seek the LORD. The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuv) means to return or repent. "I will go away and return to My place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me." (Hosea 5:15). Themes 1. Judgment Against Israel and Judah Hosea 5 opens with a call to attention for the priests, the house of Israel, and the royal house, as judgment is pronounced against them: "Hear this, O priests! Pay attention, O house of Israel! Listen, O house of the king! For judgment is against you" (Hosea 5:1). The Hebrew word for "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) indicates a legal decision or decree, emphasizing the seriousness of God's pronouncement. 2. Idolatry and Spiritual Harlotry The chapter highlights Israel's unfaithfulness through idolatry, described as "harlotry" (זְנוּת, zenut): "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of harlotry is within them" (Hosea 5:4). This theme underscores the spiritual adultery of Israel, turning away from God to worship idols. 3. Divine Withdrawal God declares His withdrawal from Israel due to their unfaithfulness: "I will be like a moth to Ephraim, like decay to the house of Judah" (Hosea 5:12). The imagery of a moth and decay (רָקָב, raqav) signifies the destructive consequences of God's absence, highlighting the theme of divine withdrawal as a form of judgment. 4. Pride and Stubbornness The pride of Israel is a recurring theme, as it leads to their downfall: "Israel’s arrogance testifies against them" (Hosea 5:5). The Hebrew word for "arrogance" (גַּאֲוָה, ga'avah) reflects a sense of self-exaltation that blinds them to their need for repentance. 5. Call to Repentance Despite the judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance: "In their affliction, they will earnestly seek Me" (Hosea 5:15). This theme suggests that the purpose of God's judgment is to bring Israel back to Him, emphasizing His desire for reconciliation. 6. The Futility of Seeking Help from Other Nations Israel's reliance on foreign alliances is condemned: "When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria" (Hosea 5:13). The theme here is the futility of seeking help from other nations instead of turning to God, highlighting their misplaced trust. Prayer Points Pray for spiritual leaders to remain steadfast and faithful to God’s truth. Ask God to reveal any idols in our lives and give us the strength to remove them. Seek God’s forgiveness and grace to turn away from sin and return to Him wholeheartedly. Pray for a renewed desire to seek God’s presence and grow in our relationship with Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. Hosea 5:5 – If the text claims Israel and Judah will both stumble, where is the historical or archaeological evidence of a simultaneous downfall as described? 2. Hosea 5:6 – Is there external historical documentation showing that sacrifices stopped working for Israel during this period? 3. Hosea 5:7 – What proof exists that Israel literally bore “illegitimate children” due to religious unfaithfulness rather than political alliances? 4. Hosea 5:10 – Do the described “boundary moves” have any verifiable record in ancient Israel’s land division or tribal borders? 5. Hosea 5:15 – How can one reconcile the notion of God “withdrawing” from His people with other passages that emphasize divine omnipresence and faithfulness? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Hosea 5 contribute to your understanding of the consequences of turning away from God's commands? 2. What does the portrayal of God as a moth to Ephraim and rottenness to Judah symbolize? 3. Discuss the role of the priests, Israel, and the house of the king in the spiritual downfall of the nation. 4. How do the actions of Ephraim and Judah in Hosea 5 reflect the state of societies today? 5. In what ways might you be setting traps or nets in your own life, similar to the metaphor used for Israel in Hosea 5? 6. Hosea 5 ends on a note of hope for repentance and restoration. How does this affect your view of God's character? 7. What steps can individuals and societies take to prevent the spiritual apostasy seen in Hosea 5? 8. How can the lessons in Hosea 5 guide your personal life decisions? 9. What does the verse "I will return again to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their distress they will earnestly seek Me" teach about God's expectations? 10. How can we apply the themes of repentance and restoration in our lives today? 11. Why does God decide to withdraw His presence until the people acknowledge their guilt? 12. What are the dangers of spiritual pride, as depicted in this chapter? 13. What actions can we take to prevent spiritual pride in our personal lives? 14. How can we ensure we're not guilty of the same offenses as the Israelites in this chapter? 15. How does the prophecy of Hosea still speak to us today in our modern context? 16. What steps should we take when we realize we've strayed from God's laws? 17. How does God's judgment reflect His love and His righteousness? 18. How can you personally respond to God's call for repentance in your life? 19. How does Hosea 5 challenge your understanding of divine judgment and God's righteousness? 20. What measures can the church take to prevent the spiritual decline seen in Hosea 5? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions