They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. They sacrifice on the mountaintopsThe phrase "They sacrifice on the mountaintops" refers to the ancient practice of offering sacrifices on elevated places, which were often associated with pagan worship. In the Hebrew context, the word for "sacrifice" (זָבַח, "zabach") implies a ritualistic offering, often to deities other than Yahweh. The mountaintops were chosen for their proximity to the heavens, symbolizing a closer connection to the divine. This practice was condemned by the prophets as it represented a departure from the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, and a turn towards idolatry. and burn offerings on the hills
"Burn offerings on the hills" continues the theme of idolatrous worship. The Hebrew term for "burn offerings" (עֹלוֹת, "olot") signifies offerings that are completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion. However, in this context, it is a devotion misdirected towards false gods. The hills, like the mountaintops, were seen as sacred spaces in pagan religions, and this practice highlights Israel's unfaithfulness to God's covenant. under oaks, poplars, and terebinths
The mention of "oaks, poplars, and terebinths" refers to specific types of trees that were often associated with sacred groves in Canaanite religion. These trees provided shade and were considered places of divine presence in pagan worship. The Hebrew word for "oak" (אֵלָה, "elah"), "poplar" (לִבְנֶה, "livneh"), and "terebinth" (אֵלָה, "elah") suggest a natural setting that was both inviting and spiritually significant to those engaging in idolatry. This imagery underscores the allure of pagan practices and the Israelites' attraction to them. because their shade is pleasant
The phrase "because their shade is pleasant" uses the Hebrew word "נָעִים" ("na'im"), meaning delightful or pleasing. This suggests that the Israelites were drawn to these places not only for their religious significance but also for their physical comfort and aesthetic appeal. The pleasant shade symbolizes the seductive nature of sin, which often appears attractive and harmless but leads to spiritual downfall. So your daughters turn to prostitution
"So your daughters turn to prostitution" is a stark depiction of the moral and spiritual decay resulting from idolatry. The Hebrew word for "prostitution" (זָנָה, "zanah") can refer to both literal and spiritual unfaithfulness. In this context, it likely refers to both, as temple prostitution was a common practice in pagan worship. This phrase highlights the societal impact of turning away from God, where the breakdown of spiritual fidelity leads to the breakdown of moral and familial structures. and your daughters-in-law to adultery
The phrase "and your daughters-in-law to adultery" continues the theme of infidelity, using the Hebrew word "נָאַף" ("na'af"), which specifically refers to marital unfaithfulness. This indicates that the consequences of idolatry extend beyond individual actions to affect family relationships and societal norms. The mention of daughters-in-law emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin, affecting all levels of the community and leading to a cycle of unfaithfulness and moral corruption. Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope. 2. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, often engaged in idolatry and unfaithfulness to God during Hosea's time. 3. Mountaintops and HillsCommon locations for pagan worship and idolatrous practices in ancient Israel. 4. Oaks, Poplars, and TerebinthsTrees often associated with pagan worship sites due to their shade and perceived sacredness. 5. Prostitution and AdulteryMetaphors for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, as well as literal practices associated with pagan worship. Teaching Points Idolatry's AllureThe Israelites were drawn to idolatry because of its immediate pleasures and comforts, symbolized by the pleasant shade of the trees. Believers today must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry that promise comfort but lead away from God. Spiritual UnfaithfulnessJust as Israel's idolatry was likened to prostitution and adultery, Christians are called to remain faithful to God, avoiding spiritual compromises that lead to unfaithfulness. Consequences of SinThe passage highlights the direct consequences of Israel's idolatry—moral decay and societal breakdown. Believers must recognize that sin has real and damaging consequences. Call to RepentanceHosea's message is ultimately a call to repentance. Christians are encouraged to examine their lives for areas of unfaithfulness and turn back to God. Holiness in WorshipTrue worship of God requires purity and holiness, not just outward rituals. Believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth, avoiding any form of idolatry. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern "high places" or idols that can distract us from true worship of God? 2. How does the imagery of shade under the trees relate to the temptations we face today? 3. In what ways can spiritual unfaithfulness manifest in a believer's life, and how can we guard against it? 4. How do the consequences of Israel's idolatry in Hosea 4:13 serve as a warning for us today? 5. What steps can we take to ensure our worship remains pure and focused on God alone, in light of Hosea's message? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 12:2-3God commands the Israelites to destroy all high places of pagan worship, highlighting the ongoing struggle against idolatry. Jeremiah 3:6-9Jeremiah speaks of Israel's spiritual adultery, using similar imagery of unfaithfulness and idolatry. 1 Kings 14:23-24Describes the establishment of high places and the associated immoral practices during the reign of the kings of Israel. Isaiah 1:29-30Isaiah condemns the people for their idolatry under the oaks and terebinths, similar to Hosea's message. Romans 1:24-25Paul discusses the consequences of exchanging the truth of God for lies, leading to moral and spiritual corruption. People HoseaPlaces Beth-aven, Gilgal, JezreelTopics Adultery, Agreeable, Brides, Burn, Burning, Commit, Daughters, Daughters-in-law, Elms, Guilty, Harlot, Harlotry, Hills, Husbands, Incense, Lewdness, Loose, Mountains, Mountaintops, Oak, Oaks, Offer, Offerings, Perfume, Perfumes, Places, Play, Pleasant, Poplar, Poplars, Prostitute, Prostitution, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Shade, Shadow, Sort, Spouses, Terebinth, Terebinths, Thereof, Tops, Trees, Turn, WhoredomDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 4:13 4245 hills
4528 trees Hosea 4:6-13 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Hosea 4:10-13 8764 forgetting God Hosea 4:10-14 6239 prostitution Hosea 4:10-15 6189 immorality, examples Hosea 4:10-19 8705 apostasy, in OT Hosea 4:12-13 7442 shrine Hosea 4:13-14 8748 false religion Library 'Let Him Alone'
'Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.'--HOSEA iv. 17. The tribe of Ephraim was the most important member of the kingdom of Israel; consequently its name was not unnaturally sometimes used in a wider application for the whole of the kingdom, of which it was the principal part. Being the 'predominant partner,' its name was used alone for that of the whole firm, just as in our own empire, we often say 'England,' meaning thereby the three kingdoms: England, Scotland, and Ireland. So 'Ephraim' here …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
1. His Early Years.--Ephraim, according to this biography, was a Syrian of Mesopotamia, by birth, and by parentage on both sides. His mother was of Amid (now Diarbekr) a central city of that region; his father belonged to the older and more famous City of Nisibis, not far from Amid but near the Persian frontier, where he was priest of an idol named Abnil (or Abizal) in the days of Constantine the Great (306-337). This idol was afterwards destroyed by Jovian (who became Emperor in 363 after the …
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian Instruction for the Ignorant:
BEING A SALVE TO CURE THAT GREAT WANT OF KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SO MUCH REIGNS BOTH IN YOUNG AND OLD. PREPARED AND PRESENTED TO THEM IN A PLAIN AND EASY DIALOGUE, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF THE WEAKEST. 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'--Hosea 4:6 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This little catechism is upon a plan perfectly new and unique. It was first published as a pocket volume in 1675, and has been republished in every collection of the author's works; and recently in a separate tract. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Of Orders.
Of this sacrament the Church of Christ knows nothing; it was invented by the church of the Pope. It not only has no promise of grace, anywhere declared, but not a word is said about it in the whole of the New Testament. Now it is ridiculous to set up as a sacrament of God that which can nowhere be proved to have been instituted by God. Not that I consider that a rite practised for so many ages is to be condemned; but I would not have human inventions established in sacred things, nor should it be …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." You know there are two principal things in the preceding verse,--the privilege of a Christian, and the property or character of a Christian. He is one that never enters into condemnation; He that believeth shall not perish, John iii. 15. And then he is one that walks not after the flesh, though he be in the flesh, but in a more elevate way above men, after the guiding and leading …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Doctrine
OF THE LAW AND GRACE UNFOLDED; OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING THE LAW AND GRACE; THE NATURE OF THE ONE, AND THE NATURE OF THE OTHER; SHOWING WHAT THEY ARE, AS THEY ARE THE TWO COVENANTS; AND LIKEWISE, WHO THEY BE, AND WHAT THEIR CONDITIONS ARE, THAT BE UNDER EITHER OF THESE TWO COVENANTS: Wherein, for the better understanding of the reader, there are several questions answered touching the law and grace, very easy to be read, and as easy to be understood, by those that are the sons of wisdom, the children …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 4:13 NIVHosea 4:13 NLTHosea 4:13 ESVHosea 4:13 NASBHosea 4:13 KJV
Hosea 4:13 Commentaries
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